($1,072) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Boston, MA

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 Boston

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Boston from Chicago, you can expect prices to land between $1,072 and $4,656. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,278 to $5,542 for the trip from Chicago to Boston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,789 and $7,607.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Boston

Moving containers from Chicago to Boston will cost you $809 to $1,931 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,540 to $2,855. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,036 to $3,792. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Boston

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Boston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $610 and $1,265 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $701 to $1,432. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $905 to $1,707.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Planning a move to Boston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 66% higher than in Chicago, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
• Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Boston are about 150% higher than those in Chicago.
• Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 25% higher in Boston compared to Chicago, which might allow for more savings or investments.
• Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boston, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Chicago. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
• If you’re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 22% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Boston is about 31% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 39% less in Boston relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Income taxes in Massachusetts are 82% above those in Illinois. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

• Boston’s population is about 75% less than Chicago.
• Boston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Chicago, making them very similar.
• Boston is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Boston’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 39.88 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Boston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 60.12 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Massachusetts’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allston-Brighton
• Back Bay-Beacon Hill
• East Boston
• Jamaica Plain
• South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

• Charlestown
• East Boston
• Hyde Park
• Roslindale
• West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

After settling into your new Massachusetts home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: Boston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.