($1,236) Cost to Move From Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL

1. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
2. Atlanta Peach Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
4. Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Atlanta to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Atlanta to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,236 and $3,861. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,299 to $5,634 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Atlanta to Chicago typically runs between $4,074 and $7,883.

Cost of moving containers from Atlanta to Chicago

When moving from Atlanta to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $707 and $1,853. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,260 to $2,545. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,827 up to $3,206. 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 Georgia.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Atlanta to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Atlanta 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 $517 and $952. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $542 and $1,074. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $692 and $1,356.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Chicago, note that rent can be roughly 8% more expensive than it is in Atlanta; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 24% lower in Chicago than in Atlanta.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 8% higher in Chicago compared to Atlanta, 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 16% more than in Atlanta. 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 18% more than it is in Atlanta.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 50% higher compared to Atlanta, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 15% higher in Chicago than in Atlanta. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 10% lower in Illinois compared to Georgia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Chicago’s population is about 451% greater than Atlanta.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Atlanta’s score of 8.
• Chicago is more walkable than Atlanta with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Atlanta’s 48 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Atlanta, which has a score of 42 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 Atlanta with a score of 35.19 compared to Atlanta’s 64.23. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23%.
• Chicago and Atlanta have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.87 and 35.77.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Atlanta it’s Moderate.

• 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.