($1,277) Movers From Columbia, SC to Chicago, IL

What to know before moving from Columbia to Chicago

Moving from Columbia to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Columbia, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Chicago are 41% higher than in Columbia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
  Home prices in Chicago are 34.1% higher than in Columbia.
• Income in Chicago is 10.6% higher than in Columbia, 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 86.5% higher than in Columbia. 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 116.8% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 73.08% higher than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 28.13% higher than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 29.29% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,595.09 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Chicago

• Chicago's population is about 1,910% greater than Columbia.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
• Chicago is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 35.19 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 33.87 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia 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: 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.

Where to live in Chicago

With your sights set on "Chi-Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources