Top Albany, NY to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Albany guide.

1. Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Don's Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. Arnoff Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
5. All-Ways Moving & Storage Co: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York to Illinois

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from New York to Illinois, you can expect prices to land between $1,138 and $4,286. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,304 to $5,677 for the trip from NY to IL. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $3,764 and $8,214.

Cost of moving containers from New York to Illinois

When you're heading from New York to Illinois, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $871 and $2,197. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,582 and $3,023. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,081 to $4,026. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New York easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to Illinois

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $617 and $1,212 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $673 to $1,454. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $818 to $1,677.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 41% higher than in Albany.
• The home prices in Chicago are 5.0% higher than in Albany, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 7.5% higher than in Albany. Major 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 102.6% higher than in Albany. 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 120.4% higher than in Albany.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 26.76% higher than in Albany.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in Albany.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.59% lower than in Albany.

• The population of Chicago is about 2,668% greater than Albany, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Albany, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 8 in Albany. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Albany. Chicago is considered more walkable than Albany, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 65 out of 100 in Albany. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than Albany in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Albany is rated as 55 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Chicago is higher than in Albany, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 35.19 in Chicago, it is 10.0 in Albany. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than Albany, whose index is 49.65. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Chicago and Albany is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• 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 regulations—some 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 you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Illinois, though it's 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 to Chicago 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.

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, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.