Best Chicago to Winston Salem Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Winston Salem and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 708 mile move from Illinois to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 Chicago to Winston Salem moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Winston Salem. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Chicago to Winston Salem Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3A1 Movers, Inc9.329.57Authorized For HHGContact
4American Moving and Hauling Inc.9.119.43Authorized For HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck8.578.49Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Winston Salem

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 708 miles from Chicago, IL to Winston Salem, NC will cost on average $2,383 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Winston Salem move is roughly $5,716. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,604300 ft³5.35
1 Bedroom$2,383450 ft³5.30
2 Bedrooms$3,935750 ft³5.25
3 Bedrooms$5,7161100 ft³5.20
4 Bedrooms$8,2341600 ft³5.15
5+ Bedrooms$9,1731800 ft³5.10
*Please note: These Illinois to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & North Carolina. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Winston Salem to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Winston Salem Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 15,326+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 776+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
American Moving and Hauling Inc. Logo

American Moving and Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.11/10
based on 3,807+ data points

E 535 Clemmonsville Rd

Winston-Salem, NC, 27107

About American Moving and Hauling Inc.

American Moving and Hauling is a local, family-owned and operated moving company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These movers invite you to...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2007351 / 876579

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved32,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Fabulous8.57/10
based on 932+ data points

130 Stratford Ct

Winston-Salem, NC, 27103

About Two Men and a Truck

Whether you live in Winston-Salem or surrounding cities like Lexington, Lewisville, or Kernersville, you can trust Two Men and a Truck...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2882856 / FF-17069 967604

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved325,645 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Winston-Salem, NC as a baseline. We've matched top neighborhoods from Chicago with their closest counterparts in Winston-Salem to make your transition smoother.

ChicagoWinston SalemHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkBuena VistaHistoric homes, family-friendly
Wicker ParkWest EndVibrant arts scene, historic
Gold CoastBrookberry FarmUpscale, luxurious living
The LoopDowntownHeart of the city, business hub
River NorthInnovation QuarterTrendy, artsy district
Hyde ParkArdmoreHistoric, educational centers nearby
AndersonvilleReynoldaCultural landmarks, charming community
Logan SquareWashington ParkDiverse, vibrant community
Old TownHanes Mall AreaMix of history and modern conveniences
LakeviewSherwood ForestFamily-friendly, recreational parks

When moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem, you can find comfort in the similarities between neighborhoods. For instance, if you admire the historic charm and green spaces in Lincoln Park, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Buena Vista, renowned for its stately homes surrounded by lush landscapes. Wicker Park's eclectic mix of culture and history closely mirrors that of the West End in Winston-Salem, where vibrant arts and an array of historical buildings define the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the luxury and elegance of Chicago's Gold Coast find a counterpart in Brookberry Farm's upscale living and architectural grandeur. For those attracted to the bustling city life of The Loop, Downtown Winston-Salem offers a dynamic business environment along with a rich historical backdrop. By drawing parallels between these communities, settling into a new city becomes an exciting adventure rather than an intimidating change.

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Things to Do in Winston Salem

  • Explore Old Salem Museums & Gardens
  • Stroll through Reynolda House Museum of American Art
  • Attend a performance at Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
  • Hike at Pilot Mountain State Park
  • Join in a Camel City BBQ Factory event
  • Watch a game at Truist Stadium
  • Visit Children's Museum of Winston-Salem

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Winston Salem

Moving from one place to another offers both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC. By juxtaposing the cons with the pros, and vice versa, we aim to provide a balanced perspective to help inform your decision.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher cost of living
  • Colder winters
  • Dense urban living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited green space
Winston Salem, NC iconWinston Salem, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Milder winters
  • Spacious neighborhoods
  • Lighter traffic
  • Abundant green space
Winston Salem, NC iconWinston Salem, NC
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer major sports events
  • Less architectural diversity
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse culture
  • Extensive public transit
  • Major sports teams
  • Rich architectural history

While the move from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC promises a shift from a dense urban environment to more spacious and green neighborhoods, it's also a transition from a city known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse cultural offerings to a quieter, smaller city. You might miss Chicago's extensive public transit system, but Winston-Salem's parks and recreation facilities, like the lush Reynolda Gardens or the expansive Salem Lake, offer ample outdoor activities. Winston-Salem is also home to historic and cultural sites such as Old Salem Museums & Gardens and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, providing a new spectrum of local experiences to explore.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Winston-Salem to help you understand the culinary differences as you plan your move. Food significantly shapes local culture and living experience, offering a tasty perspective on your new home.

ChicagoWinston Salem
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaCarolina barbecue
Most popular meat dishItalian beefPulled pork
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogMoravian cookies
Most popular vegan foodSeitan wingsVegan barbecue
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Au Cheval
  • Girl & The Goat
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Camel City BBQ Factory
  • Mary's Gourmet Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem, you'll transition from the hearty, iconic deep-dish pizza and Italian beef to the savory delights of Carolina barbecue and pulled pork. Winston-Salem boasts a proud tradition of Southern cooking with a twist, evidenced by establishments like Sweet Potatoes and Camel City BBQ Factory. While Chicago's food scene is known for its innovation and diversity, highlighted by restaurants like Au Cheval, Winston-Salem offers a more intimate, community-focused dining experience that celebrates local flavors and traditions.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart is designed to ease your transition from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC, helping you find new favorites that capture the essence of your beloved eateries back in Chicago. Whether you're searching for high-end dining or a casual bite, this guide aims to match you with your next go-to spot in Winston-Salem.

ChicagoWinston SalemWhat You'll Love
AlineaRyan’s RestaurantOffers a fine-dining experience reminiscent of Alinea’s unique and sophisticated atmosphere.
Girl & The GoatMozelle’s Fresh Southern BistroKnown for innovative dishes in a cozy setting, akin to the culinary creativity found at Girl & The Goat.
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaMission Pizza NapoletanaDelivers an authentic pizza experience that echoes the beloved deep-dish style of Lou Malnati's.
Portillo's Hot DogsPulliam's Hot Dogs & BarbecueA local spot with historical roots, offering a nostalgia-inducing environment similar to Portillo's.
PublicanThe Katharine BrasserieShowcases a diverse selection of meats and seafood, mirroring Publican’s dedication to high-quality, rustic fare.
The Purple PigWillows BistroShares a passion for Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted from local ingredients, comparable to The Purple Pig.
RoisterSweet PotatoesOffers a vibrant and unique dining experience, focusing on innovative Southern cuisine much like Roister’s approach.
Smoque BBQMr. BarbecueCaptures the essence of Chicago-style BBQ with its dedication to slow-smoked meats and homey sides.
Big StarThe Porch Kitchen and CantinaKnown for lively vibes and excellent tacos, mirroring the casual yet trendy atmosphere of Big Star.
Au ChevalSmall Batch Beer Co.While primarily a brewery, it offers inventive burgers and a hip environment that recalls the appeal of Au Cheval.

When settling into Winston-Salem, you'll be delighted to find that places like Ryan’s Restaurant exude the same fine dining elegance as Chicago's Alinea, ensuring that those special night-outs are as memorable as ever. If your palate craves the innovation and warmth of Girl & The Goat, then Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro will become your new haven for culinary creativity. For those who cannot part with Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizzas, Mission Pizza Napoletana serves up pies that will satisfy those cravings, with a dedication to authentic flavors and techniques. This transition may be bittersweet, but Winston-Salem's vibrant restaurant scene promises to offer comfort, flavor, and maybe even a new favorite spot to call home.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a significant move, the real estate landscape is crucial. Understanding how the housing market in Chicago compares to Winston-Salem is fundamental to making an informed decision. Let's delve into the specifics of cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help guide your transition.

ComparisonChicagoWinston Salem
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Historic BlendColonial and Modern Mix
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Proximity to public transitSpacious yards, Proximity to schools

Chicago and Winston-Salem offer distinctly different housing markets. In Chicago, the higher median home prices and rent reflect its urban appeal and amenities. The city's blend of modern and historic architecture often includes coveted lake views. Chicago's higher walkability and bikeability scores are indicative of an urban lifestyle with a rich, public transit system. In contrast, Winston-Salem offers a more affordable housing market, making it attractive to those seeking spacious properties at a lower cost. Listings often highlight spacious yards and proximity to schools, pointing to a community-focused, suburban lifestyle. This comparison sheds light on two diverse settings that cater to different preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Winston Salem, NC

1. Washington Park: Known for its spacious park of the same name, Washington Park offers numerous trails and green spaces where your pet can enjoy long walks and socialize with other pets.

2. West Salem: With its close proximity to Washington Park and pet-friendly community atmosphere, West Salem is ideal for pet owners looking for a neighborhood that values outdoor activities for their furry friends.

3. Ardmore: Ardmore is perfect for pet owners due to its walkable streets, pet-friendly cafes, and the nearby Miller Park, which is a great place for pets to play and explore.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This guide highlights the main differences in climate conditions. The charts detail weather contrasts between Chicago and Winston-Salem , focusing on temperature ranges, precipitation, and more to prepare you for your new home.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Chicago, IL

89°F / 68°F

Winston Salem, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

51°F / 31°F

Winston Salem, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

48

Winston Salem, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

5

Winston Salem, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoWinston Salem
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem means you will experience milder winters and slightly hotter summers. Notably, Winston-Salem enjoys more days of sunshine annually and less snowfall, with only about 5 inches per year compared to Chicago's 36 inches. This could mean putting away heavy winter gear in favor of lighter options. Additionally, while both cities share similar air quality ratings, the types of natural disasters each city is prone to differ substantially, from snowstorms and cold waves in Chicago to hurricanes and tornadoes in Winston-Salem. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the change in climate and weather-related challenges.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Winston Salem

Understanding the financial landscape of your new home is critical when planning a move. This comparison aims to shed light on the differences between Chicago, IL and Winston-Salem, NC concerning various money and finance topics. It's designed to help you gauge how your expenses, taxes, and the economic environment will change.

ComparisonChicagoWinston Salem
Avg. Household Income$66,576$54,228
Cost of Living Index116.992.44
State Income Tax4.955.25
Avg. Property Tax2.100.85
Avg. Sales Tax10.256.75
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyTobacco, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerately AffluentEmerging Affluence
PovertyNoticeableLess Noticeable
HomelessnessConcerningModerate

When moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem, you'll likely notice a beneficial reduction in your cost of living. With Winston-Salem's lower cost of living index, your day-to-day expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation could be significantly less. However, it's essential to consider that the average household income is also lower in Winston-Salem, which aligns with the area's lower living costs. Additionally, despite North Carolina having a slightly higher state income tax than Illinois, you'll find relief in significantly lower property and sales taxes. These financial nuances play a vital role in managing your budget and expectations in your new city.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Political & Religious Comparison

This is a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Winston-Salem designed to give you a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of the residents, providing insight into the community atmosphere you will be moving into.

ChicagoWinston Salem
Political Make-upStrongly DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberalModerately Liberal
ReligionDiverse: Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, IslamPredominantly Protestant with growing diversity

When moving from Chicago to Winston-Salem, you'll find some similarities in political and religious landscapes, but also some differences that reflect the unique character of each city. Chicago is known for its strong Democratic leanings in both city and national elections, with a very liberal stance on various issues. In contrast, Winston-Salem also leans Democratic but with a more moderate stance on local issues. Religion in Chicago is highly diverse, reflecting its large population and multiculturalism, whereas Winston-Salem has a stronger Protestant presence, though it is also becoming more religiously diverse over time. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.

Chicago vs. Winston Salem Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC, it's essential to understand the differences in the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Winston-Salem to better grasp what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like.

ComparisonChicagoWinston Salem
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3422
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesNo

In Chicago, the public transit system is robust, making it easier to live without a car. The average commute time is longer due to the city's size and traffic congestion. Conversely, in Winston-Salem, you're likely going to need a car since the public transit options are more limited, and the infrastructure is more spread out. However, you'll benefit from shorter average commute times and significantly less traffic congestion, offering a more relaxed commute experience overall.

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