($1,350) Movers From Virginia Beach, VA to Chicago, IL

What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Chicago

Moving from Virginia Beach to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Virginia Beach than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Virginia Beach compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Chicago are 5% higher than in Virginia Beach, 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 Chicago.
  Home prices in Chicago are 26.5% lower than in Virginia Beach.
• Income in Chicago is 12.5% lower than in Virginia Beach, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 19.5% lower than in Virginia Beach. 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 56.8% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 87.50% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 70.83% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.91% lower than in Virginia Beach.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,414.30 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.

How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Chicago

• Chicago's population is about 500% greater than Virginia Beach.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Virginia Beach's lower score of 3.
• Chicago is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Virginia Beach, 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's crime rate is lower than Virginia Beach with a score of 35.19 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 33.87 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Virginia Beach it's good.

Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach 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