Best Chicago to San Antonio Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to San Antonio and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,240 mile move from Illinois to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 49 Chicago to San Antonio 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 New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to San Antonio. 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 San Antonio Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC | 9.56 | 9.71 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.32 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Little Guys Movers | 9.25 | 9.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to San Antonio
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,240 miles from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX will cost on average $2,836 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to San Antonio move is roughly $6,822. 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 | $1,905 | 300 ft³ | 6.35 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,836 | 450 ft³ | 6.30 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,689 | 750 ft³ | 6.25 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,822 | 1100 ft³ | 6.20 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,843 | 1600 ft³ | 6.15 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,983 | 1800 ft³ | 6.10 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Antonio to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to San Antonio Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
4310 FM482 ste c
New Braunfels, TX, 78132
About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience...
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Business Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2992735 / 1117672 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 0 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 35,000 (2022) |
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) |
Little Guys Movers
222 Wonder World Dr
San Marcos, TX, 78666
About Little Guys Movers
Little Guys Movers is a franchised nationwide moving company operating in eight states, including Texas. It has a location in San...
Services
- LONG DISTANCE MOVING
- LOCAL MOVING
- COMMERCIAL MOVING
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 880583 / 689082 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 52 |
| Registered Drivers | 80 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 667,000 (2023) |
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. San Antonio Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be an adventure, especially when you're heading to a new city with its own unique neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & San Antonio, TX . This guide will help you find a new neighborhood in San Antonio that feels like home, using Chicago's diverse communities as a baseline.
| Chicago | San Antonio | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Alamo Heights | Affluent, with cultural institutions |
| Wicker Park | Southtown | Artsy and vibrant, with a creative community |
| The Loop | Downtown San Antonio | Urban core, with historic architecture |
| Hyde Park | Tobin Hill | Historic homes, and cultural landmarks |
| Andersonville | King William | Eclectic, with a strong sense of community |
| Gold Coast | Terrell Hills | Luxurious, with upscale homes |
| Old Town | Monte Vista | Historic, with a blend of architectures |
| Logan Square | Woodlawn Lake | Emerging, diverse community with green spaces |
| River North | Pearl District | Trendy, revitalized area with nightlife |
| Bridgeport | Castle Hills | Family-friendly, with a suburban feel |
In your quest for a neighborhood reminiscent of Chicago's storied enclaves, you will find San Antonio's Alamo Heights offers Lincoln Park's blend of affluence and culture, boasting institutions like The McNay Art Museum. Fans of the artsy, eclectic vibe of Wicker Park might gravitate towards Southtown, known for its thriving art scene and the walkable, vibrant Blue Star Arts Complex. For those drawn to the rich historical texture and urban bustle of The Loop, Downtown San Antonio's blend of history, including the famed River Walk and The Alamo, offers an enticing parallel. Meanwhile, the community spirit and historic homes of Andersonville find a mirror in King William, where the character and camaraderie of the area are palpable at local hangouts like the friendly Blue Star Brewing Company. This exploration into comparable neighborhoods should provide a reassuring bridge between what you know and what you're about to discover in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to San Antonio
Moving from one city to another brings its fair share of changes, challenges, and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX, ensuring you can make an informed decision with a clear understanding of what awaits.
Chicago, IL- Cold winters
- Higher crime rate
- Expensive living
- Traffic congestion
- State income tax
San Antonio, TX- Warmer climate
- Lower crime rate
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- No state income tax
San Antonio, TX- Less diverse cuisine
- Quieter nightlife
- Fewer museums
- No large bodies of water
- Car-dependent city
Chicago, IL- Cultural diversity
- Vibrant nightlife
- World-class museums
- Lake Michigan
- Better public transport
Moving from Chicago to San Antonio introduces you to a diversity of experiences, shifting from a bustling, urban lifestyle to a more relaxed pace. You'll exchange the magnificent museums like The Art Institute of Chicago for San Antonio's rich historical sites such as The Alamo and the vibrant River Walk, lined with excellent restaurants and boutique shops. San Antonio may offer fewer grand-scale museums, but it compensates with beautiful neighborhood parks like Brackenridge Park, providing a plethora of outdoor activities. While Chicago's extensive public transport system might be hard to match, San Antonio's growing infrastructure and VIA Metropolitan Transit offer promising alternatives. The transition may also bring financial relief thanks to Texas' lack of state income tax and generally more affordable living expenses, allowing for a different allocation of your budget towards exploring new entertainment options or investing in a new home.
Chicago vs. San Antonio Food Guide
Food is an integral aspect of local culture and provides insight into what life is like in an area. By comparing the local cuisine between Chicago & San Antonio , we aim to better inform you about the gastronomic scene you're moving into. This guide will delve deep into both cities' flavors, ensuring you know exactly what culinary delights await.
| Chicago | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-Dish Pizza | Texas BBQ |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog | Breakfast Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan | Tex-Mex Vegan Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In both Chicago and San Antonio, food is an expressive element of each city's soul, with every bite telling a story of its rich culture and tradition. While Chicago's culinary scene is famously known for its deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches, trendy neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park are bustling with innovative vegan and health-conscious eateries. San Antonio, on the other hand, takes pride in its Texas BBQ and breakfast tacos, a testament to its deep-rooted Texan and Mexican culinary influences. Neighborhoods like The Pearl District are culinary hotspots, offering everything from upscale dining at Cured at Pearl to casual, street-style eats. Regardless of your dietary preferences or cravings, both cities present a diverse array of foods and atmospheres, promising a delectable journey through their iconic eateries and street food culture.
Chicago vs. San Antonio Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding new favorite eateries is crucial to feeling at home in your new city. This restaurant comparison from Chicago to San Antonio aims to ease your transition by matching your beloved Chicago dining spots with similar options in San Antonio. Let's dive into the culinary scene and discover your next go-to restaurants.
| Chicago | San Antonio | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Bliss | Both offer innovative and upscale dining experiences. |
| Portillo's | Smoke Shack | Both are beloved for their iconic, local flavors in a casual setting. |
| Girl & The Goat | Cured | Both renowned for unique, eclectic dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. |
| Giordano's | Dough Pizzeria Napoletana | Both famed for their delicious, cheesy pizzas. |
| The Purple Pig | Bohanan's Prime Steak and Seafood | Both are high-end spots known for exquisite dishes. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Wildfish Seafood Grille | Both specialize in top-quality seafood and steak dishes. |
| Big Star | La Tuna Grill | A relaxed vibe with standout tacos and margaritas, similar to Big Star. |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | Rosario's | Both offer a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. |
| The Berghoff Restaurant | Schilo's | Both are historic spots known for hearty, traditional dishes. |
| Pequod's Pizza | Chicago's Pizza | Offers a taste of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in San Antonio. |
In your culinary exploration of San Antonio, venues like Bliss and Cured beckon with promises of intriguingly innovative meals that echo the creativity and quality of Chicago's Alinea and Girl & The Goat, respectively. When the craving for comforting, hearty dishes hits, the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of Smoke Shack and La Tuna Grill deliver flavors reminiscent of Portillo's and Big Star, with a touch of local Texan charm. For those special nights out, places like Bliss and Bohanan's Prime Steak and Seafood offer upscale dining experiences that rival the best of Chicago, ensuring your new life in San Antonio is filled with memorable dining experiences.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. San Antonio Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX , specifically focusing on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle . These insights will help you ascertain which city aligns better with your housing preferences and lifestyle needs.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern/Brickworks | Spanish Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to transit | Outdoor living spaces, historic features |
In comparing Chicago and San Antonio, note that while Chicago boasts a more urban environment with its higher walkability and bikeability scores, San Antonio offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its lower cost of living. San Antonio's housing market, characterized by Spanish Colonial architecture, contrasts with Chicago's modern and historical brickwork buildings. Moreover, San Antonio's embrace of outdoor living spaces and historic features in its real estate listings highlights the city's focus on heritage and open-air experiences, distinct from Chicago's emphasis on lake views and accessibility to public transit. This comparison underscores the unique living experiences each city offers, influenced by their differing geography, culture, and lifestyle amenities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX
1. Alamo Heights: This upscale neighborhood boasts the Alamo Heights Dog Park, offering a spacious area for your pets to play and socialize.
2. Southtown: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Southtown features pet-friendly dining options and the scenic San Antonio River Walk, perfect for long walks with your furry friend.
3. Stone Oak: With its numerous parks and walking trails, such as Stone Oak Park, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking an active lifestyle in a suburban setting.
Chicago vs. San Antonio Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial for a smooth transition. This analysis aims to compare the climate and weather patterns of Chicago and San Antonio , providing insights into how your living conditions will change.
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Flooding |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In shifting from Chicago to San Antonio, you'll notice a considerable change in climate. San Antonio's summers are much warmer and winters milder than Chicago's, meaning fewer heavy coats and more year-round outdoor activities. The increase in sunshine days and higher annual UV index in San Antonio call for more diligent sun protection strategies. Additionally, varying types of natural disasters and allergens in each location highlight the need for awareness and preparedness tailored to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to San Antonio
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to gauge how the cost of living and financial landscape will shift. This comparison between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX aims to shed light on various financial considerations that might affect your transition, making it smoother and less surprising.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $54,923 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 95.7 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Healthcare, Tourism, Defense |
| Affluence | Moderate | Variable |
| Poverty | High | Higher |
| Homelessness | Visible | Less visible |
Relocating from Chicago to San Antonio entails noteworthy financial adjustments beyond just the change in scenery. The most striking difference you'll encounter is the absence of state income tax in Texas, which can significantly benefit your paycheck. However, it's important to keep in mind the cost of living in San Antonio, while lower on average than in Chicago, still presents its own set of economic challenges. Despite a lower average household income in San Antonio, the lower cost of living, combined with a diverse job market mainly fueled by healthcare, tourism, and defense sectors, may offset this difference. Additionally, the variation in sales and property taxes between the two cities can influence your long-term budget planning, particularly if you're looking to purchase property. Understanding these financial nuances ensures you're better prepared for the economic realities of your new home.
Chicago vs. San Antonio Political & Religious Comparison
This is a comparison of the politics between Chicago & San Antonio, designed to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Understanding these factors can play a significant part in helping you feel at home in your new city.
| Chicago | San Antonio | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean towards Democratic | Lean towards Democratic |
| Local Politics | Liberal | Moderate to Liberal |
| Religion | Christianity, followed by Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism | Christianity, primarily Catholic, followed by Protestant and other faiths |
When you're moving from Chicago to San Antonio, you'll find that both cities lean towards the Democratic side of the political spectrum, although San Antonio can be seen as moderate to liberal in local politics, reflecting a diverse and vibrant community. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with Christianity being the predominant faith. In Chicago, you'll encounter a broad spectrum of religious beliefs including Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, reflecting the city's diverse population. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Catholicism plays a more central role, indicative of its Hispanic heritage, followed by Protestants and other faiths depicted in the local community. Understanding these dynamics can help you connect with your new community and participate in its social and cultural life more fully.
Chicago vs. San Antonio Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Chicago & San Antonio is essential for anyone planning to move. This comparison aims to shed light on what you can expect from your daily commute and the general traffic conditions in these cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 35 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, quite easily | Challenging, but possible |
While Chicago offers a robust public transit system that many residents rely on daily, making it relatively easy to navigate the city without a car, San Antonio's public transit is less extensive, meaning you might find it more challenging to get around without your own vehicle. The average commute time in Chicago is also noticeably higher compared to San Antonio, reflective of Chicago's more intense traffic congestion. This information can help you better prepare for the lifestyle adjustments that come with moving from one city to the other.
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