Best overall value
Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Atlanta
What to know before moving from Chicago to Atlanta
Moving from Chicago to Atlanta means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Atlanta, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Atlanta so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,900 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $388,167 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,107 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $7,822 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- Rent prices in Atlanta are 7% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Atlanta are 31.3% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Atlanta is 7.6% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta โ including Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot โ may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Atlanta. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 14.1% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Atlanta can help cut down on a familyโs routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 15.6% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 33.33% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the city's sales taxes in Atlanta are 13.17% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Atlanta are 10.91% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,577.30 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Atlanta
| Atlanta | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 64.23 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 35.77 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Atlanta might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 82% less than Chicago.
- Getting around Atlanta without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Atlanta has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Atlanta neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Atlanta isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Atlanta, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Atlanta earned a 42. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Atlanta is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 64.23 in Atlanta, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- Atlanta is generally as safe as Chicago, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Atlanta isn't as good as it is in Chicago, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Atlanta has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Chicago is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Atlanta move
- Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Georgia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Atlanta Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Atlanta
With your sights set on Atl, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Atlanta.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cabbagetown
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avondale Estates
- Buckhead
- Inman Park
- North Decatur
- Virginia-Highland
Things to do in Atlanta
Once you're settled into your new home in Georgia, it's time to get out and discover what Atlanta has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Atlanta, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Atlanta are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Atlanta 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 Chicago to Atlanta take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA covers 717 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Atlanta.
