($1,159) Cost to Move From Dallas, TX to Chicago, IL

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Cost to hire movers from Dallas to Chicago

When planning a move to Chicago from Dallas, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,159 and $4,583. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,447 and $5,752 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,025 to $8,069.

Cost of moving containers from Dallas to Chicago

When you’re heading from Dallas to Chicago, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $817 and $1,851. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,395 and $2,965. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,014 to $3,852. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Dallas to Chicago

A moving rental truck from Dallas to Chicago 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 $593 to $1,204. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $686 to $1,403, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Dallas to Chicago costs around $837 to $1,756.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 15% more expensive in Chicago than in Dallas. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Chicago and Dallas, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Chicago and Dallas are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 29% more than in Dallas. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 19% higher than in Dallas.
• Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Dallas by about 150%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Dallas by 24%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Illinois has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• Chicago’s population is about 111% greater than Dallas.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Dallas’s score of 6.
• Chicago is more walkable than Dallas with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Dallas’s 46 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Dallas, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Dallas with a score of 35.19 compared to Dallas’s 51.4. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Dallas with a score of 33.87 vs Dallas’s 48.6.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Dallas it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Dallas and Chicago are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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

With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• 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)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.