Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Chicago
What to know before moving from Manchester to Chicago
Moving from Manchester to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Manchester, itโs 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:
Manchester | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,004 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $410,329 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,449 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,256 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 2% higher than in Manchester, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 27.9% lower than in Manchester. - Income in Chicago is 6.6% higher than in Manchester, 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 49.0% higher than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 76.3% higher than in Manchester.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 136.84% higher than in Manchester.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 10.25% higher than in Manchester.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 23.75% higher than in Manchester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,468.76 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Chicago
Chicago | Manchester | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 115,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 3 |
Walkability score | 77 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 42 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 56.09 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 43.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 2,275% greater than Manchester.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Manchester's lower score of 3.
- Chicago is more walkable than Manchester with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Manchester, which has a score of 42 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 Manchester with a score of 35.19 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Manchester with a score of 33.87 vs Manchester's 43.91.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Manchester it's good.
Other things to consider for your Manchester 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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 youโre considering have one and that itโs current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Illinois, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 toChicago Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that youโve chosen "Chi-Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.
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 youโre settled into your new home in Illinois, itโs time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Manchester to Chicago?
The best time to move from Manchester to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Manchester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Manchester 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 Manchester to Chicago take?
The 1,021-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Chicago, IL, takes two to eight days. Some Manchester movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.