Best Chicago to Manchester Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Manchester and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,027 mile move from Illinois to New Hampshire go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 45 Chicago to Manchester 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 $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Manchester. 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 Manchester 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
4Fit 2 Move9.269.16Authorized For HHGContact
5Bridges Bros Movers8.999Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Manchester

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,027 miles from Chicago, IL to Manchester, NH will cost on average $2,655 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Manchester move is roughly $6,379. 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$1,785300 ft³5.95
1 Bedroom$2,655450 ft³5.90
2 Bedrooms$4,387750 ft³5.85
3 Bedrooms$6,3791100 ft³5.80
4 Bedrooms$9,1981600 ft³5.75
5+ Bedrooms$10,2581800 ft³5.70
*Please note: These Illinois to New Hampshire moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & New Hampshire. 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 NH mover.
Illinois iconArrow iconNew Hampshire icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Manchester to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Manchester 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
Fit 2 Move Logo

Fit 2 Move

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 503+ data points

Dover, NH, 03820

About Fit 2 Move

Fit 2 Move is a veteran-owned moving company in Rochester, serving the seacoast, central, southern, and lakes regions of New Hampshire,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving Local & Long Distance
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4059585 / 1540193

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Bridges Bros Movers Logo

Bridges Bros Movers

Superb8.99/10
based on 781+ data points

29 Garfield St

Exeter, NH, 03833

About Bridges Bros Movers

Bridges Bros Movers has been helping people move their belongings for over a hundred years. It is a family-owned company established...

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Move planning
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3152985 / 105934

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved131,248 (2022)
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. Manchester Neighborhood Comparison

In this guide, we'll help you get acquainted with local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Manchester, NH by comparing popular areas in each city. This will offer a familiar baseline as you transition to your new home.

ChicagoManchesterHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkNorth EndVibrant culture and dining
Wicker ParkDowntown ManchesterArtsy, youthful vibe
LakeviewHanover HillFamily-friendly, lakeside parks
Gold CoastStraw/SmythHistoric charm with upscale appeal
West LoopAmoskeagTrendy, with loft-style spaces
AndersonvilleKalivas UnionEclectic shopping and dining
Hyde ParkCentral ManchesterEducational hubs and diversity
Logan SquarePiscataquogEclectic and up-and-coming
River NorthMillyardChic and professional with amenities
Old TownSomervilleQuaint streets and community events

If you're moving from Chicago's lively Lincoln Park, with its bustling culture and array of attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo and Chicago History Museum, you'll find the vibe mirrored in Manchester's North End. This neighborhood offers its own vibrant dining scene and community events akin to the feel of Armitage Avenue. Meanwhile, if you're used to the artistic vibe of Wicker Park, filled with galleries and live music venues, Downtown Manchester offers similar cultural experiences at places like the Palace Theatre. For those who love Andersonville's eclectic shops and cafes, Kalivas Union presents a comparable mix of unique local businesses, providing a welcoming community found along streets like Massabesic. This comparative guide aims to make your move feel less daunting and more like discovering the familiar in a new setting.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Manchester

  • Explore downtown Manchester's Palace Theatre
  • Enjoy trails at Livingston Park
  • Visit the Currier Museum of Art
  • Discover aviation history at Aviation Museum of NH
  • Shop at The Mall of New Hampshire
  • Catch a Fisher Cats game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
  • Relax along the Merrimack River

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Manchester

Considering a move from Chicago, IL to Manchester, NH involves weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both cities. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision about what moving from Chicago, IL to Manchester, NH entails.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher crime rates
Manchester, NH iconManchester, NH
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable
  • Less traffic
  • Safer neighborhoods
Manchester, NH iconManchester, NH
  • Limited cultural outlets
  • Fewer restaurant choices
  • Car-dependent city
  • No coastal views
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Diverse dining options
  • Public transportation
  • Lakeshore drive views

Moving from Chicago's bustling streets to a quieter life in Manchester has its set of trade-offs. For nature lovers, areas such as Derryfield Park in Manchester offer a serene escape compared to the urban parks of Chicago like Lincoln Park. Dining in Manchester might not match the diverse options like Chicago's West Loop, but local favorites such as Puritan Backroom provide unique culinary experiences. Lastly, while Chicago has integrated transport networks such as the CTA, you might appreciate quieter road trips in Manchester, navigating at your own pace.

Chicago vs. Manchester Food Guide

Food is an integral part of local culture and plays a significant role in shaping what it's like to live in an area. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Manchester , providing insights to better inform you about the food scene where you might be moving.

ChicagoManchester
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaLobster Roll
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichPrime Rib
Most popular street food itemChicago Hot DogSteak and Cheese Sub
Most popular vegan foodVegan PizzaVegetable Stir Fry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • 1. The Foundry
  • 2. The Bridge Café
  • 3. Milly's Tavern
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, Manchester offers a distinctive New England cuisine where lobster rolls are a must-try, particularly in the coastal areas. You can explore these local delights at places like The Bridge Café, located in the vibrant downtown area. For those looking to dive into Manchester’s evolving foodie scene, areas like the Millyard are great spots to explore. Here, you’ll find establishments like The Foundry, known for its creative New Hampshire fare. Manchester may not have the abundance of food trucks seen in Chicago, but its emerging food scene offers a unique charm with diverse dining options.

Chicago vs. Manchester Restaurant Comparison

Food is a key factor in making a city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help you find new favorite eateries as you transition from Chicago to Manchester by using your current hometown as a guide.

ChicagoManchesterWhat You'll Love
AlineaJumpin' Jay's Fish CaféSophisticated dining with an emphasis on creative seafood dishes
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaPortland Pie CompanyKnown for their deep dish and unique pizza combinations
The Purple PigCottonA focus on classic dishes and craft cocktails
Girl & the GoatRepublic CaféOffers small plates with a wide range of flavors
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabThe Old Salt RestaurantRich seafood offerings and hearty steak selections
Portillo'sThe Puritan BackroomCasual comfort food and famous chicken tenders
Big StarLunaKnown for street tacos and vibrant atmosphere
Au ChevalThe FoundryRenowned for their burgers and industrial-chic vibe
Francesca'sCampo EnotecaOffers authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting
Roka AkorMHA: Mary's Hampstead AlehouseOffers contemporary Asian-fusion dining

As you settle into Manchester, you'll find that Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café offers the same level of refined dining and creative seafood options that you enjoyed at Alinea in Chicago. If you cherished the deep-dish goodness from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portland Pie Company awaits with its own unique take on pizza. For those who loved the vibrant atmosphere and inventive small plates from Girl & the Goat, Republic Café offers a wide range of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Meanwhile, Luna’s street tacos and lively scene ensure that the spirit of Big Star is never far away. Each of these Manchester spots captures the essence of what made Chicago dining special for you, helping to create a new set of beloved eateries in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Manchester Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how Chicago and Manchester compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to make an informed decision on your relocation.

ComparisonChicagoManchester
Typical Architecture StyleBrick BungalowsColonial and Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most Popular Items Mentioned in Real Estate ListingsOpen Floor Plan, Fireplace, Hardwood FloorsSpacious Backyard, Finished Basement, Hardwood Floors

Both cities offer distinct architectural styles that contribute to their unique characters. In Chicago , you'll often find charming brick bungalows and a vibrant urban lifestyle with better walkability compared to Manchester , where Colonial and Victorian styles are prevalent. The cost of living in Manchester housing is generally more affordable, with lower median home prices and rents, making it appealing for more budget-conscious movers. Additionally, while Chicago's real estate market often highlights features like open floor plans and fireplaces, Manchester listings frequently mention spacious backyards and finished basements, appealing to those who value outdoor space.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Manchester, NH

1. North End : With spacious parks like Livingston Park and nearby pet-friendly cafes, the North End offers plenty of opportunities for you and your furry companions to enjoy the outdoors together.

2. Downtown Manchester : Home to several dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops, Downtown Manchester allows you to explore the vibrant city life while enjoying outings with your pet by your side.

3. Southside : This neighborhood features easy access to hiking trails and dog parks, making it a perfect haven for you and your active pets to stay connected to nature while living city-close.

Chicago vs. Manchester Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move from Chicago, IL to Manchester, NH , understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial. Weather impacts daily life, influencing everything from your wardrobe to your daily commute, so a clear comparison helps you prepare for these changes.

Summer icon
85/70

Chicago, IL

82/60

Manchester, NH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
33/18

Chicago, IL

31/12

Manchester, NH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37

Chicago, IL

44

Manchester, NH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
37.7

Chicago, IL

59.1

Manchester, NH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoManchester
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoesFlooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Chicago to Manchester, you'll experience slightly milder summer temperatures and colder winter lows. Manchester enjoys a few more days of sunshine each year, which may brighten your mood during those harsh winters. Notably, the air quality in Manchester tends to be better, which can be a relief if you have respiratory issues. However, those with allergies might face different challenges due to the prevalence of birch pollen in Manchester's spring season. The increase in annual rainfall and snowfall in Manchester might require some adjustment in how you handle wet and snowy conditions.

Ready to start your move?

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

If you're moving from Chicago to Manchester , it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. By contrasting financial factors, you can better plan for your new life and make informed decisions about your future expenses and savings.

ComparisonChicagoManchester
Avg. Household Income$66,576$73,639
Cost of Living Index116.9116.8
State Income Tax4.95%0%
Avg. Property Tax2.3%2.22%
Avg. Sales Tax10.25%0%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Health ServicesHealth Services, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableLess Noticeable
HomelessnessSignificantLow

When comparing financial dynamics, it's important to note that Manchester's absence of state income tax and sales tax can significantly benefit your disposable income, unlike Chicago's relatively higher rates. The cost of living is also slightly higher in Manchester than in Chicago, which may influence your budget allocations for housing and other amenities. If you're employed in industries like health services, you'll find both cities equally conducive, though the job markets may slightly differ. Exploring these aspects could help you optimize your financial stability and quality of life after the move.

Chicago vs. Manchester Political & Religious Comparison

Exploring the differences between Chicago and Manchester can offer valuable insights when considering a move. This quick comparison looks at the politics between Chicago & Manchester , highlighting the political and religious landscapes that shape these communities.

ChicagoManchester
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningModerate
Local PoliticsDemocratically controlled city councilBipartisan city government
ReligionDiverse, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish communitiesPredominantly Christian


As you consider moving to Manchester, understanding the political landscape can help you feel more at home. Unlike Chicago, which is known for its liberal stance, Manchester offers a more moderate political environment. This might result in a different approach to local governance and public policies. Additionally, while both cities have diverse religious communities, Chicago is known for its wide range of religious establishments, such as the [Holy Name Cathedral](https://holynamecathedral.org/) for Catholics, and various temples and synagogues. In contrast, Manchester tends to be more predominantly Christian, reflecting its small-town New England character. This change in the religious environment might influence community events and activities you participate in.

Chicago vs. Manchester Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move, it's essential to compare the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Manchester to better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like. Knowing the differences can help you adapt easily to your new environment.

ComparisonChicagoManchester
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3525
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesNo

In Chicago, the extensive public transit system makes it easier to live without a car, thanks to the reliability of options like the Chicago Transit Authority. The bustling nature of the city does mean higher congestion levels, with long commute times even for those who live relatively close to their destination. In contrast, Manchester, while offering a less congested and quicker commute, lacks the same level of public transportation infrastructure, making a car almost a necessity for getting around. While you might enjoy less time in traffic, you'll need to plan differently to reach nearby points of interest, like local eateries and attractions.

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