($1,688) Movers From Portland, ME to Chicago, IL

What to know before moving from Portland to Chicago

Moving from Portland to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Portland, it’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:

• Rent prices in Chicago are 3% higher than in Portland, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Chicago are 45.4% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Chicago is 11.5% higher than in Portland, 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 46.4% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 52.9% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 73.08% higher than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 86.36% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.66% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,393.42 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Chicago

• Chicago's population is about 3,915% greater than Portland.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 6.
• Chicago is more walkable than Portland with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago and Portland have a similar crime rate.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.87 vs Portland's 67.84.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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 you’re considering have one and that it’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\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’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.

Helpful moving resources