Factors influencing moving costs from Wichita to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Wichita movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Wichita to Chicago can be as low as $1,348 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,898.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Wichita, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $611 to $1,498. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Wichita to Chicago

Moving from Wichita to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Wichita, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Wichita Chicago
Average rent cost $930 $2,045
Average home value $190,905 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $60,712 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $2,107 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,818 $9,266
Unemployment rate 5.9% 9.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.25%
State income tax 5.7% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 120% higher than in Wichita, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
    Home prices in Chicago are 54.9% higher than in Wichita.
  • Income in Chicago is 17.9% higher than in Wichita, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 73.1% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 59.3% higher than in Wichita.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 52.54% higher than in Wichita.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chicago are 36.67% higher than in Wichita.
  • One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.16% lower than in Wichita.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,194.11 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.

How life is different in Wichita vs. Chicago

Chicago Wichita
Population 2,746,388 397,532
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 3
Walkability score 77 35
Bike friendliness score 72 44
Crime Index 35.19 49.19
Safety Index 33.87 50.81
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 591% greater than Wichita.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Wichita's lower score of 3.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Wichita with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Wichita's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Wichita, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Wichita with a score of 35.19 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Wichita with a score of 33.87 vs Wichita's 50.81.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Wichita vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies youโ€™re considering have one and that itโ€™s current.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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.

Where to live in Chicago

Ready to relocate to "Chi-Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, itโ€™s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Wichita to Chicago?

The best time to move from Wichita to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Wichita.

When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Wichita to Chicago 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 Wichita to Chicago take?

The 706-mile move from Wichita, KS, to Chicago, IL, takes one to six days. Some Wichita movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources