Factors influencing moving costs from Tallahassee to Chicago
What to know before moving from Tallahassee to Chicago
Moving from Tallahassee to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Tallahassee, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Tallahassee | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,410 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $283,504 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $49,077 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,019 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,631 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 45% higher than in Tallahassee, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tallahassee.
Home prices in Chicago are 4.3% higher than in Tallahassee. - Income in Chicago is 45.8% higher than in Tallahassee, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 80.7% higher than in Tallahassee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 100.1% higher than in Tallahassee.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 76.47% higher than in Tallahassee.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 36.67% higher than in Tallahassee.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Tallahassee.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,420.51 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tallahassee.
How life is different in Tallahassee vs. Chicago
Chicago | Tallahassee | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 201,731 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 77 | 30 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 45 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 58.35 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 41.65 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 1,261% greater than Tallahassee.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Tallahassee's lower score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Tallahassee with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Tallahassee's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Tallahassee, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Tallahassee with a score of 35.19 compared to Tallahassee's 58.35. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Tallahassee with a score of 33.87 vs Tallahassee's 41.65.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Tallahassee it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tallahassee 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 youโre considering have one and that itโs 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
After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, itโs time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Tallahassee to Chicago?
The best time to move from Tallahassee to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tallahassee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tallahassee to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Chicago take?
The 959-mile move from Tallahassee, FL, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Tallahassee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.