Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Boise to Chicago
What to know before moving from Boise to Chicago
Moving from Boise to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boise than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boise compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boise | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,495 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $481,661 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,468 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,100 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,810 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 37% higher than in Boise, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 38.6% lower than in Boise. - Income in Chicago is 6.4% lower than in Boise, 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 11.0% lower than in Boise. 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 36.1% higher than in Boise.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 150.00% higher than in Boise.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 70.83% higher than in Boise.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.66% lower than in Boise.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,669.27 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boise.
How life is different in Boise vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Boise | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 235,684 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 99 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 34.99 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 65.01 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 1,065% greater than Boise.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Boise's lower score of 4.
- Chicago is less walkable than Boise with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Boise's 88 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 Boise, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
- Chicago and Boise have a similar crime rate.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Boise with a score of 33.87 vs Boise's 65.01.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Boise it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boise 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 settling into your new Illinois home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Boise to Chicago?
The best time to move from Boise to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boise.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boise to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Boise 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 Boise to Chicago take?
The 1,694-mile move from Boise, ID, to Chicago, IL, takes four to 15 days. Some Boise movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
