Factors influencing moving costs from El Paso to Chicagotoggle

The cost of El Paso movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from El Paso to Chicago can be as low as $1,525 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,723.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in El Paso, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,069 to $2,773. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from El Paso to Chicago

Moving from El Paso to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than El Paso, itโ€™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:

El Paso Chicago
Average rent cost $1,510 $2,045
Average home value $223,218 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $58,354 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $1,833 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,360 $9,266
Unemployment rate 4.7% 9.0%
Sales tax 7.25% 10.25%
State income tax 0.0% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 35% higher than in El Paso, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
    Home prices in Chicago are 32.5% higher than in El Paso.
  • Income in Chicago is 22.6% higher than in El Paso, 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 99.0% higher than in El Paso. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 112.5% higher than in El Paso.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 91.49% higher than in El Paso.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chicago are 41.38% higher than in El Paso.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in El Paso.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,970.54 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.

How life is different in El Paso vs. Chicago

Chicago El Paso
Population 2,746,388 678,815
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 4
Walkability score 77 40
Bike friendliness score 72 42
Crime Index 35.19 32.51
Safety Index 33.87 67.49
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 305% greater than El Paso.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus El Paso's lower score of 4.
  • Chicago is more walkable than El Paso with a score of 77 out of 100 vs El Paso's 40 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than El Paso, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago and El Paso have a similar crime rate.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than El Paso with a score of 33.87 vs El Paso's 67.49.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in El Paso it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your El Paso 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 youโ€™re considering have one and that itโ€™s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Illinois doesnโ€™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.

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 settling into your new Illinois home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from El Paso to Chicago?

The best time to move from El Paso to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in El Paso.

When is the cheapest time to move from El Paso to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from El Paso to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from El Paso to Chicago take?

The 1,485-mile move from El Paso, TX, to Chicago, IL, takes three to eight days. Some El Paso movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources