Top Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL Movers

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

1. Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.2 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 $1,242 and $4,047. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,386 to $6,176 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 $4,408 and $8,270.

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 $890 and $2,085. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,590 and $3,216. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,016 to $3,997. 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

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $580 to $1,072. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $632 to $1,285, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New York to Illinois costs around $820 to $1,505.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 64% higher than in Rochester.
• The home prices in Chicago are 47.4% higher than in Rochester, 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, 11.4% higher than in Rochester. 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 60.4% higher than in Rochester. 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 88.3% higher than in Rochester.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 8.16% lower than in Rochester.
• 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 Rochester.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.59% lower than in Rochester.

• The population of Chicago is about 1,200% greater than Rochester, 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 Rochester, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Rochester. 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 Rochester. Chicago is considered more walkable than Rochester, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 61 out of 100 in Rochester. 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 Rochester 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 Rochester is rated as 60 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Chicago as Rochester. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Chicago is generally as safe as Rochester, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Chicago and Rochester 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

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

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it's time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• 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.