Best Chicago to New York City Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to New York City and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 827 mile move from Illinois to New York go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 83 Chicago to New York City 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 New York City. 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.
Best Chicago to New York City Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JP Urban Moving | 9.85 | 9.78 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Metropolis Moving | 9.72 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to New York City
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 827 miles from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY will cost on average $2,484 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to New York City move is roughly $5,963. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,671 | 300 ft³ | 5.57 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,484 | 450 ft³ | 5.52 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,103 | 750 ft³ | 5.47 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,963 | 1100 ft³ | 5.42 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,594 | 1600 ft³ | 5.37 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,578 | 1800 ft³ | 5.32 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New York City to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to New York City Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
JP Urban Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2096754 / 882954 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2022) |
Metropolis Moving
476 Jefferson St
Brooklyn, NY, 11237
About Metropolis Moving
Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Commercial moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4277979 / 1662478 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
606 Movers, Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
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.
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. New York City Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY can be overwhelming. This comparison helps you familiarize yourself with New York by using your existing knowledge of neighborhoods in Chicago, IL & New York City, NY .
| Chicago | New York City | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Upper West Side | Family-friendly, green spaces |
| Wicker Park | Williamsburg | Hip, trendy, art scenes |
| Gold Coast | Upper East Side | Affluent, historic charm |
| Logan Square | Bushwick | Eclectic, artistic community vibes |
| West Loop | Meatpacking District | Modern, upscale dining |
| Lakeview | Greenwich Village | Vibrant, diverse nightlife |
| Streeterville | Midtown East | Urban, close proximity to attractions |
| Hyde Park | Morningside Heights | Academic, historic landmarks |
| River North | SoHo | High-end galleries, chic boutiques |
| Andersonville | Astoria | Cultural melting pot, vibrant community |
If you enjoy the relaxed, family-friendly environment of Lincoln Park with its beloved Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo, you'll feel right at home in the Upper West Side, known for its green spaces like Central Park and Riverside Park. Love the foodie haven of West Loop? The Meatpacking District offers a similar vibe, with upscale dining such as the legendary Buddakan. Wicker Park's artistic and hipster spirit can easily be found in Williamsburg, known for its street art and indie music venues like Brooklyn Steel. And for those who cherish Hyde Park's academic atmosphere and landmarks like the University of Chicago, Morningside Heights with Columbia University and its stunning architecture will appeal to you.
Things to Do in New York City
Explore Central Park on foot or bike- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Enjoy a Broadway show
- Walk the High Line
- Savor eats at Chelsea Market
- Catch a game at Yankee Stadium
- Attend a workshop at Brooklyn Public Library
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to New York City
Moving from one city to another offers a unique set of challenges and advantages. This comparison seeks to provide an honest reflection of moving from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY, highlighting both the good and the bad aspects of such a relocation. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about your move.
Chicago, IL- Harsher winters
- Lower population density
- More affordable housing
- Less public transportation options
New York City, NY- Milder winters
- More diverse population
- Richer cultural experiences
- Better public transportation
New York City, NY- Smaller living spaces
- Higher cost of living
- Complicated car transportation
- More crowded
Chicago, IL- Larger living spaces
- Lower cost of living
- Easier car transportation
- Less crowded
In both Chicago and New York City, you'll find a wealth of neighborhood parks, restaurants, and sights that cater to a vast array of tastes and preferences. In NYC, you might replace your visits to Chicago’s Lincoln Park with weekends at Central Park or trade deep-dish pizzas for the thin crusts found in Little Italy. Despite the higher cost of living and the generally smaller living spaces in New York, many find the city’s incredible diversity, rich cultural experiences, and superior public transportation system to be worth the trade-offs. Each borough of New York, from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, offers a unique slice of life that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Chicago vs. New York City Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & New York City because food is an integral part of local culture and daily life. By understanding the culinary differences, you’ll get a better sense of what to expect food-wise in your new city.
| Chicago | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | New York-style pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Pastrami on Rye |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Hallal food |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style vegan pizza | Vegan bagels |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Chicago prides itself on its indulgent deep-dish pizza that can be found in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, New York City boasts a thinner, crispier pizza that's iconic in Manhattan's Little Italy. If you're a meat lover, you'll enjoy the Italian Beef Sandwich in Chicago, a city known for its rich meaty sandwiches, versus the legendary Pastrami on Rye in New York City, particularly at Katz's Delicatessen in the Lower East Side. For vegans, Chicago offers innovative vegan deep-dish pizzas in places like Logan Square, whereas New York City serves up vegan bagels that are a hit among food enthusiasts in Brooklyn. As you get settled in your new home, exploring these neighborhoods will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help you immerse in the local culture.
Chicago vs. New York City Restaurant Comparison
Understanding the necessity of food in making anywhere feel like home, this comparison is designed to seamlessly transition your dining experiences from one vibrant city to another. By comparing Chicago's top eateries to New York City's, you'll find your new go-to restaurant based on your current favorites in the Windy City. Let this guide be your culinary compass as you embark on your new adventure.
| Chicago | New York City | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Per Se | Both offer a unique, upscale tasting menu with exceptional attention to detail in each dish |
| Portillo's | Katz's Delicatessen | Famous for their comfort food, offering a taste of local tradition and casual dining |
| Girl & The Goat | Barbuto | Both have a lively atmosphere with a focus on inventive, rustic dishes |
| Publican | The Spotted Pig | Known for their hearty, high-quality pub fare, emphasizing local and fresh ingredients |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | John's of Bleecker Street | Classic, beloved pizza places offering deep-dish and thin-crust pies respectively |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Delmonico's | Both specialize in high-end seafood and steaks, with a historic and luxurious setting |
| Avec | Balthazar | Similar vibes of bustling, European-inspired eateries with a diverse wine list and shareable plates |
| Giordano's | Lombardi's | Another pizza duel, with Giordano's famous deep-dish up against Lombardi's claim to the first pizza in the U.S. |
| Frontera Grill | Los Tacos No.1 | Both widely celebrated for their authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant atmospheres |
| The Purple Pig | Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria | Both offer a diverse menu of Mediterranean flavors, excellent for sharing and wine |
Among these comparisons, Alinea and Per Se stand out for their unparalleled dining experiences, both pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. Yet, for those craving the comforts of home, Portillo's and Katz's Delicatessen provide that warm, nostalgic bite into tradition. It's the unique flavors and atmospheres of places like Girl & The Goat and Barbuto that truly showcase the diversity and quality of offerings in both cities. Whether you desire the heartiness of a perfectly prepared steak from Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, or the sophistication of sharing plates at Avec and Balthazar, rest assured your culinary journey will be as rich and diverse as your memories from Chicago. Transitioning to your new lifestyle in New York City doesn't mean leaving behind the flavors you love but expanding your palate and experiences.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. New York City Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, evaluating real estate differences between your current location and future home is crucial. This comparison will shed light on the housing market in Chicago, IL , and New York City, NY , helping you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Art Deco | Art Deco and Beaux-Arts |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, lake views, stainless steel appliances | Close to subway, skyline views, pet-friendly |
Comparative analysis reveals stark differences and unique charms of living in Chicago and New York City. For instance, Chicago’s housing market is substantially more affordable, whether you're looking to buy or rent, providing more space for your dollar in diverse neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or The Loop. On the other hand, New York commands a premium for its iconic skyline views and proximity to essential services, seen in sought-after areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn. While both cities are celebrated for their urban lifestyle and architecture—boasting high walkability scores—New York edges out with its expansive subway system, making it slightly more convenient for day-to-day commute. These insights into walkability, architecture, and lifestyle preferences are vital in finding a place that feels like home.
Chicago vs. New York City Weather Considerations
When preparing for a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather in Chicago and New York City will impact your daily life is crucial. This comparison offers insight into what you can expect, helping you adjust to your new environment more smoothly.
Chicago, IL
New York City, NY
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
New York City, NY
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
New York City, NY
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
New York City, NY
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Poor |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Extreme Cold | Hurricanes, Nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Chicago and New York City experience hot summers, Chicago's winters are notably colder and snowier, which could impact your choice of winter clothing and heating needs. New York sees more days of sunshine and slightly higher humidity, affecting how you might want to plan outdoor activities or manage indoor air quality. The threat of natural disasters differs considerably, with Chicago facing extreme cold and blizzards, whereas New York is more prone to hurricanes and Nor'easters. This could influence considerations for emergency planning and insurance.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to New York City
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will help you see at a glance how costs such as housing, taxes, and overall living expenses measure up in Chicago versus New York City , enabling better budgeting for your new life.
| Comparison | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $67,997 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 185.8 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 4-8.82 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.69 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.875 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare | Finance, Healthcare, Professional and Technical Services |
| Affluence | Medium | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Significant |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Widespread |
While the average household income in Chicago slightly surpasses that of New York City, the discrepancy in the cost of living indices is profound, favoring Chicago. This divergence becomes more significant considering New York's graduated state income tax rate, which can climb up to 8.82% based on your income bracket. Additionally, while the average sales tax is higher in Chicago, the overall cost burden, including considerably higher living costs in New York City, paints a financial picture that necessitates careful planning and budgeting. The dominant industries in each city also mirror the unique economic landscapes and opportunities available, suggesting a potential shift in career paths or growth prospects upon relocating.
Chicago vs. New York City Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Chicago to New York City brings a new lifestyle, opportunities, and community ambiance. This guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chicago & New York City to help you grasp the social climate you're moving into. It's a quick snapshot aimed at giving you a better understanding of the people and community ideals in your new city.
| Chicago | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Democratic-leaning |
| Local Politics | Progressive on social issues | Progressive; strong focus on diversity and inclusion |
| Religion | Diverse; strong Catholic presence | Highly diverse; significant Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim communities |
Though both cities lean Democratic, New York City's politics are especially known for a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion policies. You'll find a vibrant tapestry of religious communities, more so than in Chicago, including Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim congregants actively participating in their faiths. This diversity is reflected in the city's numerous cultural festivals, restaurants, and social hubs, providing you with an enriched, multicultural experience. Community involvement and grassroots organizing are also more pronounced, offering plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in matters important to you.
Chicago vs. New York City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Before you make the big move, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between Chicago & New York City . This comparison will give you a better grasp on what your daily commute and handling traffic might look like in these major cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 40 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging in some areas | Yes, especially in Manhattan |
While both cities boast extensive public transit systems, New York City's is more comprehensive, allowing residents to easily get by without a car. The average commute time in NYC is longer, mainly because of its larger geographic size and denser population. Traffic congestion is also a more significant issue in New York City compared to Chicago, highlighting the efficiency and convenience of opting for public transportation. Given these factors, understanding the local transit options and planning accordingly can greatly ease your transition and daily commute in your new city.
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