($1,437) Cost to Move From Portland, OR to Chicago, IL

1. PDX Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
2. All Service Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. ANC Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. You Move Me: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to Chicago

When planning a move to Chicago from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,437 and $5,588. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,963 and $8,620 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,999 to $12,169.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to Chicago

When you’re heading from Portland to Chicago, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,237 and $2,887. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,115 and $4,537. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,844 to $5,781. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Oregon easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Chicago

A moving rental truck from Portland to Chicago is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,252 to $2,348. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,342 to $2,603, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Chicago costs around $1,694 to $3,390.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 34% more expensive in Chicago than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 43% cheaper in Chicago than in Portland.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Chicago than in Portland.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 42% more than in Portland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 52% higher than in Portland.
• Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Chicago has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
• Income taxes are 50% less in Illinois compared to Oregon, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Chicago’s population is about 321% greater than Portland.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 8.
• Chicago and Portland are similarly walkable.
• Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
• Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 35.19 compared to Portland’s 57.37. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.87 vs Portland’s 42.63.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Chicago are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.