Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to New Hampshire

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to New Hampshire

If youโ€™re moving to New Hampshire from Chicago, IL, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. New Hampshire

Chicago, IL New Hampshire
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,336
Average home cost $295,743 $478,955
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $90,845
Unemployment rate 9.0% 2.1%
State income tax 4.95% 4.0%
  • Rent is about 60% less expensive in New Hampshire than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 73.5% higher in New Hampshire than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 24.6% higher in New Hampshire than in Chicago.
  • New Hampshire has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 130.2%.
  • Income taxes are 19.19% lower in New Hampshire than in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from New Hampshire

Chicago, IL New Hampshire
Population 2,746,388 1,402,054
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 50.8-48.1
Summer high 84ยบF 80ยบF
Winter low 19ยบF 9ยบF
Annual rain 38" 46"
Annual snow 35" 68"
Crime index 35.19 11.37
  • The population of New Hampshire is approximately 49% lower than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, New Hampshire voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in New Hampshire is 80ยบ F and in Chicago, itโ€™s 84ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New Hampshire reaches the temperature of 9ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in New Hampshire vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In New Hampshire, it snows about 68 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. New Hampshire:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs New Hampshire side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in New Hampshire
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Natural beauty
Delicious food Tranquil
Abundant entertainment Ample economic opportunity
Intense sports culture No sales tax
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. New Hampshire:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for New Hampshire.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in New Hampshire
High crime rate Long harsh winters
Temperamental weather Limited diversity
Terrible traffic Heavy traffic
High taxes Few urban amenities
Pollution High cost of living

Other considerations when moving to New Hampshire from Chicago

  • Weather: New Hampshire has warm, humid summers, and long, cold, and snowy winters. Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and especially severe in the northern and mountainous areas. Average annual snowfall ranges from 60 inches to over 100 inches across the state..
  • 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, youโ€™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: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If youโ€™ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but youโ€™ll need to file a formal complaint first. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Hampshire moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in New Hampshire

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in New Hampshire.

Museums in New Hampshiretoggle

  • Strawbery Banke Museum
  • Currier Museum of Art
  • USS Albacore Museum
  • Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
  • Wright Museum of WWII
  • Children's Museum of New Hampshire
  • SEE Science Center
  • Millyard Museum
  • Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium
  • Portsmouth Historical Society's Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center
  • MWV Children's Museum
  • Hood Museum of Art
  • John Paul Jones House, part of the Portsmouth Historical Society
  • Cheshire Children's Museum
  • American Independence Museum

Parks in New Hampshiretoggle

  • Mine Falls Park
  • Prescott Park
  • Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
  • Livingston Park
  • Cascade Park
  • Benson Park
  • Swasey Parkway
  • Moose Brook State Park
  • Great Island Common
  • Greeley Park
  • Schouler Park
  • Stratham Hill Farm Park
  • Peirce Island
  • Moody Park
  • Clough State Park
  • Twin Bridge Park and Kids Kove

Sports Teams in New Hampshiretoggle

  • New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double-A Northeast)
  • Dartmouth Big Green (NCAA)
  • New Hampshire Wildcats (NCAA)

Universities in New Hampshiretoggle

  • Dartmouth College
  • University of New Hampshire
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Plymouth State University
  • Saint Anselm College
  • Keene State College
  • New England College
  • Rivier University
  • Colby-Sawyer College
  • Franklin Pierce University
  • Granite State College
  • Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
  • Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to New Hampshire take?

The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to New Hampshire depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to New Hampshire?

Need to get your car from Chicago to New Hampshire? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to New Hampshire car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to New Hampshire?

Many people are moving to New Hampshire because of its natural beauty and tranquil. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources