Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Chicago
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Chicago can be as low as $1,491 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,311.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,393 to $3,730. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Chicago
Moving from San Francisco to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Francisco compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 37% lower than in San Francisco, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 76.2% lower than in San Francisco. - Income in Chicago is 47.6% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 3.5% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 6.3% higher than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 66.67% higher than in San Francisco.
- You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 18.77% higher than in San Francisco.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.78% lower than in San Francisco.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,894.47 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Chicago
| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 808,988 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 99 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 61.41 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 38.59 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 239% greater than San Francisco.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
- Chicago is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 77 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Chicago has a bike-friendliness score 72 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 35.19 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 33.87 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
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
Now that you've made the move to Illinois, it’s the perfect time to explore Chicago. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- 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), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Chicago?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Chicago take?
The 2,127-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Chicago, IL, takes six to 17 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
