Top New York City, NY to Chicago, IL Movers

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

1. Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
2. Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. Flatrate Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York to Illinois

Planning a move from New York to Illinois? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,282 and $4,375. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,497 and $6,173 for the same journey (NY to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,186 to $8,729.

Cost of moving containers from New York to Illinois

Moving from New York to Illinois? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $934 and $2,357. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,663 to $3,304. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,208 up to $4,525. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to Illinois

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $715 and $1,335. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $766 and $1,569. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $968 and $1,811.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent prices in Chicago are 53% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more 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 60.7% lower than in New York City.
• Income in Chicago is 8.3% lower than in New York City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago — including U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 35.8% lower than in New York City.
• A move to Chicago can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 38.6% less than what it costs in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 19.64% lower than in New York City.
• 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 New York City.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.59% lower than in New York City.

• Chicago might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 67% less than New York City.
• Getting around Chicago without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Chicago has a public transportation score of 9 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Chicago neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New York City. Based on its score of 77 out of 100, Chicago isn't as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• Chicago and New York City are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 72 and 69 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• Chicago has a lower crime rate than New York City based on scores of 35.19 and New York City's 50.83, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• 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 New York City, whose index is 49.17. 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 New York City 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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

Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• 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 city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — 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.