($1,168) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Wilmington

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Wilmington will cost between $1,168 and $3,837. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to Chicago will range from $2,148 to $5,544, and a large move from Chicago to Wilmington will cost from $3,842 to $7,659.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Wilmington

If you’re moving from Chicago to Wilmington, expect to pay between $774 and $1,895 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,381 up to $2,501. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,761 and $3,565. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Wilmington

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Wilmington is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $505 and $1,030. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $579 and $1,247. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $697 up to $1,454 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Wilmington from Chicago, you’ll find that rent is roughly 11% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Wilmington and Chicago, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 31% lower in Wilmington compared to Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Wilmington and Chicago, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
• Choosing to move to Wilmington can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 53% less than in Chicago.
• In Wilmington, the unemployment rate is approximately 14% higher than in Chicago, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
• Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Chicago. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
• Income taxes are 33% higher in Delaware than in Illinois, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Wilmington’s population is about 97% less than Chicago.
• Wilmington’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Wilmington and Chicago are similarly walkable.
• Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Wilmington’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 67.32 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Wilmington and Chicago have a similar safety level, with scores of 32.68 and 33.87.
• Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Delaware moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Delaware doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Wilmington. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Trolley Square
• Happy Valley
• Midtown Brandywine
• Delaware Avenue
• Trinity Vicinity

Best neighborhoods for families

• Forty Acres
• Happy Valley
• Trolley Square
• Lower Highlands
• Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts

Things to do in Wilmington

Once you’re settled into your new home in Delaware, it’s time to get out and discover what Wilmington has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Wilmington, such as the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.