Factors influencing moving costs from Laredo to Chicago
What to know before moving from Laredo to Chicago
Moving from Laredo to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Laredo, itโs 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:
Laredo | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,241 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $210,593 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,896 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,756 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,770 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 65% higher than in Laredo, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Laredo.
Home prices in Chicago are 40.4% higher than in Laredo. - Income in Chicago is 21.5% higher than in Laredo, 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 107.7% higher than in Laredo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 145.8% higher than in Laredo.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 13.92% higher than in Laredo.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 24.24% higher than in Laredo.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Laredo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,232.35 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Laredo.
How life is different in Laredo vs. Chicago
Chicago | Laredo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 255,205 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
Walkability score | 77 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 40 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 36.23 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 63.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 976% greater than Laredo.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Laredo's lower score of 4.
- Chicago is more walkable than Laredo with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Laredo's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Laredo, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago and Laredo have a similar crime rate.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Laredo with a score of 33.87 vs Laredo's 63.77.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Laredo it's good.
Other things to consider for your Laredo 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 youโre considering have one and that itโs current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Illinois doesnโt 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Illinois, itโs time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Laredo to Chicago?
The best time to move from Laredo to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Laredo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Laredo to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Laredo 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 Laredo to Chicago take?
The 1,355-mile move from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL, takes three to eight days. Some Laredo movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.