($813) Cost to Move From Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago, IL

1. Handle With Care Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Men on the Move: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Ann Arbor to Chicago

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to Chicago will cost between $813 and $2,902. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to Ann Arbor will range from $1,585 to $4,550, and a large move from Ann Arbor to Chicago will cost from $1,975 to $6,094.

Cost of moving containers from Ann Arbor to Chicago

If you’re moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago, expect to pay between $588 and $1,441 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,047 up to $1,937. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,392 and $2,615. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Chicago

Renting a moving truck from Ann Arbor to Chicago is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $267 and $489. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $301 and $608. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $383 up to $716 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Chicago from Ann Arbor, you’ll find that rent is roughly 10% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 38% less in Chicago than in Ann Arbor.
• Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 7% higher in Chicago than in Ann Arbor, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 68% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• When relocating to Chicago, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 73% greater than in Ann Arbor.
• In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 157% higher than in Ann Arbor, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
• Sales taxes rise by 71% in Chicago over Ann Arbor, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 16% higher in Illinois than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Chicago’s population is about 2117% greater than Ann Arbor.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Ann Arbor’s score of 7.
• Chicago is more walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor’s 52 out of 100.
• Both Chicago and Ann Arbor have similar bike-friendliness scores (71 vs 72), meaning Chicago is about as safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Chicago’s crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 35.19 compared to Ann Arbor’s 31.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 33.87 vs Ann Arbor’s 79.18.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Ann Arbor it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status 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: 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 Chicago. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Illinois, it’s time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.