Top Chicago, IL to Boston, MA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Boston to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Massachusetts

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Massachusetts, you can expect to spend between $1,441 and $5,833. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,002 to $7,372 on the same route (IL to MA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Illinois to Massachusetts typically runs between $5,139 and $9,147.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Massachusetts

Moving from Illinois to Massachusetts? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,013 and $2,568. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,892 to $3,722. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,425 up to $5,040. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Massachusetts

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $795 and $1,509 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $895 to $1,903. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,100 to $2,293.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Boston, since prices are typically 66% higher than in Chicago.
• The home prices in Boston are 149.9% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Boston, where incomes are, on average, 24.7% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 32.1% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• 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 22.0% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Boston is 31.11% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the city's sales taxes in Boston are 39.02% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Boston are 81.82% higher than in Chicago.

• Boston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 75% less than Chicago.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Boston will be about the same as it currently is in Chicago. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Living in Boston means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chicago. Boston is considered more walkable than Chicago, with a score of 98 out of 100 versus 77 out of 100 in Chicago. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Boston is considered more bike-friendly than Chicago in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Boston has a bike-friendliness score of 86 out of 100, while Chicago is rated as 72 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Boston 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 39.88 in Boston, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Boston than in Chicago, based on Boston's safety index of 60.12 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Boston and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
• 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 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Massachusetts, 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 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
• 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.