Chicago is the most diverse city in the US, offering colorful and charming neighborhoods that cater to people worldwide.
Chicago boasts one of the most developed public transportation systems in the country, including eight train lines and nearly 200 bus lines, making commuting easy and convenient.
The city offers an enormous selection of food marts with goods from around the world, from Asian markets to Middle Eastern shops, Italian and Eastern-European stores, and a plethora of South American restaurants and cafes.
Chicago is the third largest cultural center in the US, boasting unmatched museums, theaters, and a thriving arts scene, making it a haven for art enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Moving to Chicago could be the biggest change in your life. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, in Chicago there is something for everyone.
This modern metropolis is the most diverse city in the US with people from around the world and colorful and charming neighborhoods.
How much does it cost to move to Chicago?
Based on the prices of 171 reviews, a very rough ballpark estimate for moving within Illinois is between $1027 and $2935. How did we get these costs?
Now that you are on your way to Chicago, you can still keep asking questions about the things to know before moving to Chicago. Check out our moving tips and helpful information on how to move easier. And do not forget to write a review on your cross-country moving company after the move is completed.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Save up to 40% on your upcoming move and get a quote from reputable moving experts.
Now that you are about to move to Chicago, you have to find professional Chicago movers. Like everything else in Chicago, moving companies are plentiful too.
Choose your Chicago moving company by customers’ reviews and associations’ affiliation. As a part of our list of moving to Chicago information and tips, here is a resume of the Best Chicago and Illinois Moving Companies.
Remember that it is always better to hire a professional moving company, as they will know exactly what to do when relocating you to the big city.
Taxes in Chicago
Despite the 10.25% sales tax rate, Chicago is still cheaper than NYC or Los Angeles. This 10.25% is a total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Illinois sales tax rate is 6.25%. The County (Cook County) sales tax rate is 1.75% and the Chicago sales tax rate is 1.25%.
Most of the suburbs comfort with lower taxes and cheaper living costs. If you are coming from any of the big cities, Chicago will seem like a more reasonable choice in terms of rental prices. On the other hand, if you are moving from a small town to the big urban capital it may look a bit pricey.
Chicago Cost of Living
According to Payscale.com Chicago’s cost of living is 20% higher than the national average. The median home price is $684,035 and the median rent is $2,080. And the average salary is $78,000 which is again higher than the national average salary.
The average rent prices in Chicago according to RentHop.com:
Studio home $1,573.
1 bedroom home $2,000.
2 bedrooms home $2,300.
3 bedrooms home $2,575.
4+ bedrooms home $4,500 and above.
Chicago’s Public Transportation
It could be better people say, but in fact, Chicago has one of the most developed public transportation systems in the country. Chicago Transit Authority has eight train lines (the “L” as Chicagoans call it) and nearly 200 bus lines.
The City of Chicago offers a variety of travel passes and cards in order to save you money. You can get more information from the ChicagoTransitAuthority.
One more benefit is the Metra Train System providing the Chicago metro area with more than ten railroads in all directions.
Flying to Chicago can’t be easier, O’Hare International Airport is the second largest in the country and a flight lands every 6 min. From O’Hare your commute to downtown will be approximately 35-40 min by taking the Blue Line. Besides this airport, many smaller ones around the city also handle international flights.
Chicago Tips – Shopping and Fun
Once settled in the Windy City, you definitely want to check out one of the biggest malls in the country, Woodfill Mall in Schaumburg and the variety of grocery stores.
By variety in Chicago, Chicagoans definitely mean variety! This city offers an enormous selection of food marts filled with goods from around the world.
You can find typical Asian markets, tons of Middle Eastern food shops, Italian and Eastern- European stores and cafes as well as a great many South American restaurants and stores. Talking about restaurants, if you want to check out all of them, you will probably have to go out every day for the next 10 years!
After-work and nightlife are a must for Chicagoans. Chicago offers a great selection of ethnic restaurants and bars, where one can enjoy a great meal and a drink after work or start the weekend.
And when the weekend comes, the choices are endless; moreover, the bars and clubs are open until 4 or 5 in the morning. Chicago is one of the few big cities in the country where you will find that freedom.
Besides all the nightlife advantages, just remember that Chicago is the third largest cultural center in the US. Unmatched museums and theaters are nested in the city, and thousands of blues rhythms are derived from its vibrant artists.
Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago
Searching for professional Chicago movers starts with requesting free moving quotes and ends with researching and reading moving reviews online.
No matter if you are moving to Chicago after college are you are about to move to Chicago with family and kids you will love the City.
The Windy City is a major commercial and cultural place in the US, and strict rules and regulations in relocating services are enforced. You should speak with the real estate landlords to see if they have particular requirements.
You might also want to explore some Chicago self-storage options if you need to store your stuff for some time before you find the best place to stay.
When you hire a moving company, they will know about them and should inform you of all the details involved in moving you to Chicago. In many cases, an elevator has to be reserved well in advance because if movers have to use the stairs this may hit your packets seriously.
In addition, parking permits are necessary in Downtown, as parking is costly. You will have to make sure you get one for the moving truck or consult with the moving company to arrange it. By doing these two major things – reserving an elevator and obtaining a parking permit – you save yourself time and money.
It’s pretty much the same no matter where you’re moving to really. Just look for some temporary storage space while you get settled into the area and you’re all set!
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OH WOAW THANKS FOR THE INFORMACION REALLLLLY NICE.
I need to move to chicago
It’s pretty much the same no matter where you’re moving to really. Just look for some temporary storage space while you get settled into the area and you’re all set!