Best Chicago to Newark Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Newark and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 805 mile move from Illinois to New Jersey go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 80 Chicago to Newark moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is JP Urban Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Newark. 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 Newark Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1JP Urban Moving9.859.78Authorized For HHGContact
2Flex Moving and Storage9.689.74Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
5A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Newark

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 805 miles from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ will cost on average $2,466 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Newark move is roughly $5,917. 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$1,659300 ft³5.53
1 Bedroom$2,466450 ft³5.48
2 Bedrooms$4,072750 ft³5.43
3 Bedrooms$5,9171100 ft³5.38
4 Bedrooms$8,5271600 ft³5.33
5+ Bedrooms$9,5031800 ft³5.28
*Please note: These Illinois to New Jersey moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & New Jersey. 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 NJ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Newark to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Newark Movers

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

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Flex Moving and Storage Logo

Flex Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,380+ data points

276 Greenpoint Ave 287, Suite

Brooklyn, NY, 11222

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ 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
4
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.33/10
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
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. Newark Neighborhood Comparison

Moving cities can be a daunting process, especially when you're not familiar with your new locale. To ease this transition, we're offering a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your current city as a baseline. Here, we will explore the comparison of local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Newark, NJ , pinpointing similarities and differences to make your move as seamless as possible.

ChicagoNewarkHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkForest HillHistoric homes, lush parks
Wicker ParkIronboundDiverse, vibrant nightlife
LoopDowntown NewarkCentral business district, cultural attractions
Gold CoastWeequahicUpscale living, historic district
Hyde ParkUniversity HeightsEducational hub, cultural institutions
Logan SquareNorth IronboundCreative community, arts scene
LakeviewBranch Brook Park areaVibrant community life, green spaces
River NorthDowntown NewarkArt galleries, fine dining
AndersonvilleForest HillDiverse population, local boutiques
EdgewaterSociety HillWaterfront views, peaceful living

For those moving from Chicago's Lincoln Park to Newark, Forest Hill offers an appealing counterpart with its historic homes and lush parks, reminiscent of the green spaces and rowhouses in Lincoln Park. Similarly, if you're attracted to the diverse and vibrant nightlife of Wicker Park, Newark's Ironbound neighborhood will feel like home with its rich cultural tapestry and lively restaurant scene. Moreover, when moving from the Loop, downtown Newark provides a seamless transition with its bustling business district and rich cultural attractions, including the renowned New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the historic Newark Museum. These Newark neighborhoods not only mirror their Chicago counterparts in ambiance and community spirit but also in offering a rich blend of dining, recreation, and arts, ensuring you'll find a piece of what you loved about Chicago in Newark.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Newark

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the good against the bad. This guide aims to present an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ . By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, these charts will help you make an informed decision about your upcoming move.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher living cost
  • Heavy traffic
  • Fewer beaches
Newark, NJ iconNewark, NJ
  • Milder winters
  • Lower living cost
  • Less traffic
  • Close to beaches
Newark, NJ iconNewark, NJ
  • Smaller food scene
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Smaller parks
  • Fewer sports events
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant food scene
  • Rich cultural venues
  • Extensive parks
  • Better sports teams

Chicago and Newark offer distinct living experiences, shaped by their unique environments and cultural offerings. Chicago's vibrant food scene, with iconic establishments like Lou Malnati's for deep-dish pizza and the bustling Magnificent Mile, stands in contrast to Newark's burgeoning culinary landscape. While Newark might have fewer high-profile eateries, it boasts hidden gems like Hobby's Delicatessen, offering a cozy, local vibe. Outdoor enthusiasts might miss Chicago's extensive park system, including the expansive Lincoln Park, but they'll find solace in Newark's picturesque Branch Brook Park, famous for its spring cherry blossom display. Though each city has its trade-offs, they both provide rich, albeit different, experiences for their residents.

Chicago vs. Newark Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of the cultural experience and what it's like to live in a new area. By comparing the local cuisine between Chicago & Newark , we aim to provide you with a better understanding of the food scene in both cities, enriching your moving experience.

ChicagoNewark
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaPortuguese BBQ
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichGrilled Chorizo
Most popular street food itemHot DogEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodSeitanVegetable Paella
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Fornos of Spain
  • Spanish Tavern
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep dish pizza epitomizes the city's bold culinary spirit, best enjoyed at establishments like Lou Malnati's. In contrast, Newark's rich Portuguese heritage shines through its BBQ and chorizo dishes, with Fornos of Spain providing an authentic taste. Both cities boast a vibrant food scene, with Chicago's abundant food trucks and innovative restaurants like Alinea showcasing a diversity of flavors. Newark, while slightly more traditional, offers a unique dining experience with its focus on Portuguese and Spanish cuisines, evident in the popularity of spots like Spanish Tavern.

Chicago vs. Newark Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial part in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to bridge Chicago’s culinary delights with similar finds in Newark, NJ , guiding you towards your next favorite dining spots based on tastes you already cherish.

ChicagoNewarkWhat You'll Love
AlineaManeiraExquisite dining experience with an innovative twist
Portillo'sHamburgaoIconic fast-food with a local flair
Girl & The GoatCasa d'PacoTapas and artisanal eats for the adventurous foodie
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaTommy's PizzaAuthentic, deep-dish pizzas echoing Chicago’s finest
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabSeabra's MarisqueiraFresh seafood and prime meats meet Portuguese flair
The Purple PigFornos of SpainA tapas and wine sanctuary reminiscent of Mediterranean vibes
Gene & GeorgettiAdega GrillWhere steakhouse meets Iberian warmth and flavor
PublicanFerry Street BarbecueCommunity-focused, offering share-worthy plates
Big StarMi Gente CafeA lively spot for tacos and margaritas, capturing the essence of casual festivities
RPM ItalianPortuCale Restaurant & BarAuthentic Italian dishes with a Portuguese twist, blending the best of both worlds

Consider this your culinary compass as you navigate the transition from Chicago’s iconic eats to Newark's vibrant dining scene. For pizza lovers who regard Lou Malnati's as a staple, Tommy's Pizza in Newark serves up deep-dish delights that pay homage to Chicago's famed crusts and hearty toppings. Meanwhile, fans of Chicago's celebrated steakhouses will find solace in Adega Grill, where the union of succulent steaks and Iberian influences creates a dining experience that echoes the warmth and decadence of Gene & Georgetti. And for those enchanted by the global flavors of The Purple Pig, Fornos of Spain offers a similar sanctuary with its selection of tapas and wines, ensuring the spirit of Mediterranean indulgence lives on in your new Newark neighborhood.

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Chicago vs. Newark Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect when contemplating a move, understanding the nuances between Chicago, IL and Newark, NJ in terms of housing can greatly influence your decision. This comparison sheds light on costs, styles, and the day-to-day experience of living in these cities.

ComparisonChicagoNewark
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Historic MixColonial and Contemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Lake Michigan, High-rises, Transit-orientedHistoric districts, Close to NYC, Diverse communities

When moving from Chicago to Newark, you'll notice several key differences in housing aspects. While the median home price is somewhat higher in Newark, the city compensates with its proximity to New York City, offering unique opportunities for those working in or around NYC. Chicago's architecture boasts a striking blend of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings, reflecting the city's rich history and continuous growth. Newark's architectural landscape is more inclined towards colonial and contemporary styles, which is indicative of its own unique history and cultural tapestry. Additionally, Chicago’s urban lifestyle scores slightly higher due to its vibrant culinary scene, extensive public parks, and an overall higher walkability and bikeability index, pointing to a more active urban environment.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Newark, NJ

1. Ironbound: Known for its diverse cuisine and vibrant streets, Ironbound is pet-friendly with several dog-friendly restaurants where you and your furry friend can dine together.

2. Forest Hill: This neighborhood is celebrated for its scenic beauty and Branch Brook Park, offering vast green spaces and trails perfect for dog walking and outdoor activities.

3. Downtown Newark: Downtown Newark caters to pet owners with its pet-friendly housing, proximity to local parks, and several pet care facilities, including groomers and veterinary clinics.

Chicago vs. Newark Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather differences might affect you is crucial. Comparing the weather characteristics between Chicago and Newark highlights the changes you should expect. This knowledge will ensure you are well-prepared for your new environment.

Summer icon
85/65

Chicago, IL

85/68

Newark, NJ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32/18

Chicago, IL

40/26

Newark, NJ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

45

Newark, NJ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

26

Newark, NJ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoNewark
Air QualityModerateModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Nor'easters
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Chicago and Newark enjoy similar summer temperatures, winters in Newark are generally milder, making the city slightly more welcoming during the chillier months. However, Newark experiences a higher amount of annual rainfall, which contributes to its higher average humidity compared to Chicago. Notably, Newark enjoys more days of sunshine per year, which could be a pleasant change for those used to Chicago's climate. It's also important to consider that each city has its own set of natural disaster risks, with Chicago facing tornadoes and blizzards, whereas Newark is more prone to hurricanes and nor'easters.

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

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your financial well-being. If you're considering relocating from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ, it's crucial to compare the economic aspects, such as income, taxes, and the cost of living. This comparison chart aims to provide a snapshot of what you might expect as you transition from Chicago to Newark.

ComparisonChicagoNewark
Avg. Household Income$66,576$43,242
Cost of Living Index116.9129.7
State Income Tax4.9510.75 (on income over 1 million)
Avg. Property Tax2.163.4
Avg. Sales Tax10.256.625
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Retail, HealthcareTransportation, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHigher than national averageSignificantly higher
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

When relocating from Chicago to Newark, you'll face a mixed bag of financial changes. Despite a lower average household income in Newark, the cost of living index is notably higher, primarily due to housing costs. New Jersey's progressive state income tax could result in lower taxes for many, although Newark's property taxes are among the highest in the nation, affecting homeowners significantly. Moreover, while sales taxes in Newark are substantially lower than in Chicago, this advantage might be offset by the higher overall expenses. Transitioning between these cities requires careful financial planning, especially if you aim to maintain or improve your standard of living.

Chicago vs. Newark Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ brings not just a change in scenery but a shift in the community vibe. This comparison between Chicago & Newark provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you better understand the social landscape you’re moving into.

ChicagoNewark
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed with a focus on social issuesStrong focus on economic revitalization and education
ReligionDiverse, with Christianity being predominant. Significant number of Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities.Diverse, with a strong Christian base, particularly in African American communities. Notable presence of Islam and other faiths.

In both Chicago and Newark, the political landscape is predominantly Democratic, reflecting a shared preference in urban policy and governance. However, Newark distinguishes itself with its intense focus on economic revitalization and educational reform, aiming to transform the city into a hub of opportunity and learning. Religious diversity is a common thread, but you'll find Newark's Christian community particularly vibrant, drawing together a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual traditions. This gives the city a unique character, where faith often intersects with civic initiatives and community outreach.

Chicago vs. Newark Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ brings significant changes, particularly when comparing the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Newark. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in your new city.

ComparisonChicagoNewark
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3431
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesYes, but more challenging

In Chicago, you may find the public transportation system, primarily consisting of the CTA's buses and trains, to be comprehensive and efficient enough to serve most of your commuting needs, allowing for a car-free lifestyle. Traffic can get congested, but the city's layout and transit options provide good alternatives. On the other hand, Newark offers its own set of advantages, with slightly shorter average commute times and less severe traffic congestion. However, you might find relying solely on public transport a bit more challenging than in Chicago, despite the availability of NJ Transit and other local transit options. Adjusting to a new public transit system can take time, but both cities support a lifestyle that minimizes the need for a personal vehicle.

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