($1,470) Movers From Columbus, GA to Chicago, IL

What to know before moving from Columbus to Chicago

Moving from Columbus to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Columbus, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Chicago are 86% higher than in Columbus, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
  Home prices in Chicago are 87.3% higher than in Columbus.
• Income in Chicago is 41.6% higher than in Columbus, 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 78.7% higher than in Columbus. 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 141.7% higher than in Columbus.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 69.81% higher than in Columbus.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 13.89% higher than in Columbus.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 9.84% lower than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,362.08 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Chicago

• Chicago's population is about 1,227% greater than Columbus.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
• Chicago is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 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 Columbus with a score of 35.19 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
• Chicago is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 33.87 vs Columbus's 27.82.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus 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.

Helpful moving resources