($1,208) Cost to Move From Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL

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5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Birmingham to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Birmingham to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,208 and $3,800. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,248 to $5,606 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Birmingham to Chicago typically runs between $3,990 and $8,273.

Cost of moving containers from Birmingham to Chicago

When moving from Birmingham to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $713 and $1,723. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,284 to $2,507. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,700 up to $3,153. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Alabama.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Birmingham is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $464 and $922. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $526 and $1,105. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $670 and $1,363.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Chicago, note that rent can be roughly 64% more expensive than it is in Birmingham; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 135% higher in Chicago than in Birmingham.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 82% higher in Chicago compared to Birmingham, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 35% more than in Birmingham. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 38% more than it is in Birmingham.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 61% higher compared to Birmingham, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Chicago and Birmingham (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are quite comparable between Illinois and Alabama, being within a range of about 5%. This similarity helps to maintain steady financial outflows, providing a smooth transition phase.

• Chicago’s population is about 1297% greater than Birmingham.
• Chicago has a public transportation score of 9 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
• Chicago is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Birmingham’s 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Birmingham with a score of 35.19 compared to Birmingham’s 61.64. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Birmingham with a score of 33.87 vs Birmingham’s 38.36.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Birmingham it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it’s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.