($1,098) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to New York City, NY

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to New York City

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to New York City, you can expect to spend between $1,098 and $3,748. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,161 to $5,077 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to New York City typically runs between $3,586 and $7,183.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to New York City

When moving from Chicago to New York City, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $757 and $1,835. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,282 to $2,521. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,862 up to $3,287. 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 Chicago to New York City

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to New York City. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $504 and $960. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $579 and $1,163. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $689 and $1,439.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to New York City, note that rent can be roughly 112% more expensive than it is in Chicago; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 155% higher in New York City than in Chicago.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in New York City compared to Chicago, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person is 56% more than in Chicago. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to New York City, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 63% more than it is in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in New York City is 24% higher compared to Chicago, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 22% lower in New York City than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in New York City can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 120% higher in New York compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• New York City’s population is about 201% greater than Chicago.
• New York City’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Chicago’s score of 9.
• New York City is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Both New York City and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 69), meaning New York City is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• New York City’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 50.83 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• New York City is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.17 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in New York City is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches New York City smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Astoria, Queens
• Lower East Side, Manhattan
• Murray Hill, Manhattan
• Upper East Side, Manhattan
• Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families

• Battery Park City, Manhattan
• Forest Hills, Queens
• Great Kills, Staten Island
• Park Slope, Brooklyn
• Riverdale, Bronx

Things to do in New York City

After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what New York City is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, New York City offers cultural landmarks like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, and New York Public Library.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Brooklyn Nets (NBA)Long Island Nets (NBA G League)New York City FC (MLS)New York Giants (NFL)New York Islanders (NHL)New York Jets (NFL)New York Knicks (NBA)New York Liberty (WNBA)New York Mets (MLB)New York Rangers (NHL)New York Red Bulls (MLS)New York Yankees (MLB) game.