Best Omaha to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Omaha to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 468 mile move from Nebraska to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 43 Omaha to Chicago 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 King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Omaha compared to Chicago. 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 Omaha to Chicago Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha9.489.64Authorized For HHGContact
2606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3King's Moving9.369.35Authorized For HHGContact
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
5Tetris Movers9.189.1Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Omaha to Chicago

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 468 miles from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL will cost on average $2,179 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Omaha to Chicago move is roughly $5,217. 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$1,468300 ft³4.89
1 Bedroom$2,179450 ft³4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,595750 ft³4.79
3 Bedrooms$5,2171100 ft³4.74
4 Bedrooms$7,5081600 ft³4.69
5+ Bedrooms$8,3571800 ft³4.64
*Please note: These Nebraska to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Nebraska & Illinois. 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 NE to IL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Omaha guide.

Compare the 5 Best Omaha to Chicago Movers

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

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha Logo

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Exceptional9.48/10
based on 2,527+ data points

13515 I Cir

Omaha, NE, 68137

About King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Whether you're relocating within the city or have a long-distance move, Omaha, NE movers have you covered. One such company is...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

960979 / 954013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved65,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
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
2
King's Moving Logo

King's Moving

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,178+ data points

7530 F St

Omaha, NE, 68127

About King's Moving

King’s Moving is a five-star rated business established in 2012. Widely regarded as Omaha’s top local moving company, King’s Moving has...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

960979 / 954013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved65,000 (2022)
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
Tetris Movers Logo

Tetris Movers

Exceptional9.18/10
based on 374+ data points

Mondamin, IA, 51557

About Tetris Movers

Tetris Movers is a locally-operated moving company serving clients locally and long distance, boasting over 15 years of experience in the...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Cost Effective Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3909440 / 1442651

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved7,500 (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.

Omaha vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL, it helps to compare the neighborhoods you're familiar with to those in your new city. This guide highlights the similarities between Omaha, NE & Chicago, IL neighborhoods , aiming to make your transition smoother by giving you a sense of familiarity before your move.

OmahaChicagoHow They're Similar
Dundee-Happy HollowWicker ParkVibrant, artsy atmosphere
Old MarketAndersonvilleEclectic, historic charm
BensonLogan SquareTrendy, bustling nightlife
Aksarben VillageLincoln ParkMix of young professionals & families
West OmahaLincoln SquareQuiet, community feel
Midtown CrossingLakeviewUrban, with expansive green spaces
BlackstoneBucktownHip, with a foodie scene
ElkhornRavenswoodFamily-friendly, with a suburban vibe
MillardRoscoe VillageHomely, well-established community
Country ClubHyde ParkRich in culture and diversity

In exploring neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Bucktown, you'll find a blend of art-centric and culinary experiences reminiscent of Omaha's Dundee-Happy Hollow and Blackstone. Wicker Park, known for its vibrant murals and bustling arts scene, is akin to the spirited vibe of Dundee-Happy Hollow. On the other hand, Bucktown’s lively food scene and cultural gatherings make it a mirror to Blackstone's eclectic mix of innovative eateries and social hubs. Lakeview and Lincoln Park offer expansive parks and waterfront activities, echoing the open spaces and leisurely lifestyle of Midtown Crossing and Aksarben Village. For a quieter, family-oriented atmosphere, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood bring a slice of West Omaha and Elkhorn's suburban charm to Chicago, highlighting strong community bonds and a slower pace of life amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Omaha to Chicago

Moving from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL comes with its set of adjustments. This comparison aims to honestly reflect the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Omaha to Chicago, providing a balanced perspective to help you weigh your decision carefully.

CONs
PROs
Omaha, NE iconOmaha, NE
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Fewer public transit options
  • Lower skyline views
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant cultural life
  • Greater job market
  • Extensive public transit
  • Iconic skyline views
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher cost of living
  • More traffic congestion
  • Fewer open spaces
  • Lesser community feel
Omaha, NE iconOmaha, NE
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • More open spaces
  • Strong community feel

Moving from Omaha to Chicago introduces you to the cultural vibrancy that Chicago is renowned for, from the thriving music scene in neighborhoods like Wicker Park to the diverse culinary experiences found in areas such as the West Loop. You'll find an abundance of public transit options, including the L train, facilitating easy navigation around the city. While the job market in Chicago is more robust, offering opportunities in industries ranging from finance to technology, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living and more congested traffic than Omaha. Chicago's iconic skyline offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, contrasted against Omaha's more Low-lying landscape. Neighborhood parks, like Lincoln Park in Chicago, offer vast green spaces coupled with cultural attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Millennium Park, contrasting with the smaller but equally beloved communal spaces in Omaha, such as Zorinsky Lake Park.

Omaha vs. Chicago Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Omaha & Chicago to give you a better sense of the food scene in your new city. Food is a vital aspect of local culture and living experience, and this overview aims to make your transition tastier and more informed.

OmahaChicago
Most iconic local food itemOmaha SteakChicago Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishReuben SandwichItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemTaco TrucksHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Boiler Room
  • Pitch Pizzeria
  • Dario's Brasserie
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Au Cheval
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Omaha, the culinary scene proudly showcases its agricultural roots with the Omaha Steak being a staple, while Chicago boasts a diverse gastronomy highlighted by its famous Deep Dish Pizza. Omaha's Reuben Sandwich, an invention of the city, competes with Chicago's Italian Beef for the title of most beloved meat dish. While Omaha offers a cozy range of vegan options, Chicago's vegan scene is vast, including a vegan twist on its celebrated deep dish. Iconic spots like The Boiler Room in Omaha provide a fine dining experience that reflects the city's flavors, whereas in Chicago, establishments such as Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offer a taste of the city's deep-rooted pizza culture. Whether it's exploring the bustling food truck scenes or enjoying health-conscious options, both cities cater to a variety of palates and lifestyles.

Omaha vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Food is a cornerstone in making a new city feel like home. This comparison is designed to ease the transition by matching top restaurants in Omaha with their equivalents in Chicago, assisting you in discovering your new favorite places to dine.

OmahaChicagoWhat You'll Love
The Grey PlumeAlineaInnovative and sophisticated tasting menus
Block 16Au ChevalDiner-style bar known for its burgers
M's PubThe Purple PigShareable Mediterranean dishes in a cozy setting
Le BouillonCafé Ba-Ba-Reeba!Spanish tapas bar with a vibrant atmosphere
Pitch PizzeriaPequod's PizzaDeep-dish pizza with a caramelized crust
La Buvette Wine & GroceryVincentEuropean bistro with a great wine selection
Jessie's EmbersGibsons Bar & SteakhouseIconic steakhouse with an extravagant menu
SpeziaQuartino Ristorante & Wine BarItalian small plates and a lively atmosphere
Modern LoveHandlebarVegan and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed setting
Boiler RoomThe LoyalistKnown for its gourmet burgers and cozy vibe

Discovering a city's culinary landscape can be both thrilling and comforting, especially when moving from Omaha to Chicago. For instance, if you've enjoyed the innovative tasting menus at The Grey Plume, you'll be dazzled by Alinea's revolutionary dining experience, which is considered one of the best in the world. Fans of Block 16's casual yet high-quality burgers will find Au Cheval's gourmet burgers a worthy Chicago counterpart. Pitch Pizzeria's artisanal pies find a soulmate in Pequod's Pizza, where Chicago's deep-dish tradition meets a sweet, caramelized crust that's unforgettable. These comparisons ensure that your transition includes delightful dining experiences, embedded in the fabric of your new city while paying homage to your roots in Omaha.

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Omaha vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect to consider when planning a move. Understanding how the housing markets of Omaha and Chicago compare will equip you with valuable insights for making an informed decision. This guide provides a detailed comparison to highlight the differences in real estate including cost, architecture, and lifestyle between these two cities.

ComparisonOmahaChicago
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanModern, Greystone
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to transportation, lake views

When transitioning from Omaha to Chicago, you'll notice a significant shift in the urban lifestyle score, reflecting Chicago's vibrant city life compared to Omaha's more subdued urban experience. One key factor in this difference is Chicago's higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicating easier access to amenities and a more active lifestyle. The architecture also shifts from the ranch and craftsman styles prevalent in Omaha to Chicago's modern and historical greystones, illustrating the urban contrast between the two locations. Furthermore, the cost of living, particularly in housing, sees an uptick in Chicago, with both median home prices and rent being higher. However, this cost comes with the perks of living in a major metropolitan area, including greater access to diverse cultural attractions and transportation options.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.

2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.

3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.

Omaha vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

Moving from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL involves adapting to new surroundings, including the weather. This comparison offers insights into how the weather in Omaha versus Chicago will affect your life , highlighting differences in climate, seasonal allergies, and more to prepare you for your relocation.

Summer icon
87°F/66°F

Omaha, NE

84°F/65°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
33°F/17°F

Omaha, NE

32°F/18°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30.6"

Omaha, NE

36.9"

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
28.9"

Omaha, NE

36"

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonOmahaChicago
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornados, FloodsSnowstorms, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While the average summer temperatures are slightly warmer in Omaha, moving to Chicago means preparing for colder winters with more snowfall. With 25 fewer days of sunshine, Chicago can feel a bit gloomier compared to Omaha. Additionally, Chicago's higher humidity and UV index may affect your daily comfort and skin health. The risk of natural disasters shifts from tornados in Omaha to more snowstorms in Chicago, necessitating different preparatory measures. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your lifestyle and wardrobe accordingly.

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

When deciding on a move from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're stepping into. Understanding the difference in cost of living, taxes, and income between these cities can help you make an informed decision and prepare adequately for your new life.

ComparisonOmahaChicago
Avg. Household Income$62,948$66,576
Cost of Living Index88.3116.9
State Income Tax6.844.95
Avg. Property Tax1.832.27
Avg. Sales Tax7.0010.25
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, Real EstateManufacturing, Retail, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowHigh

Moving from Omaha to Chicago, you'll notice several differences in your financial surroundings. While the average household income in Chicago is slightly lower, the city's cost of living and sales tax rates are notably higher, making daily expenditures more costly. Additionally, though the state income tax rate in Illinois is lower, property taxes in Chicago soar above those in Omaha, affecting homeowners significantly. Despite these challenges, Chicago's diverse economy, with strong footprints in manufacturing, retail, and technology, offers expansive job opportunities. Conversely, Omaha's economic strengths lie in finance, insurance, and real estate, presenting a different landscape for professional opportunities. Understanding these nuances will help you better navigate your move and future financial planning.

Omaha vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Omaha & Chicago provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from one vibrant city to another, highlighting key differences and similarities.

OmahaChicago
Political Make-upModerately ConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsDivided city councilDemocratic stronghold
ReligionChristian majority with a mix of other faithsDiverse, with a significant Catholic population

Moving from Omaha to Chicago, you'll notice a shift from a moderately conservative political environment to a more liberal one. This is reflected not only in the overall political makeup but also in how local politics are structured and operate. In Omaha, the city council has a more divided stance on many issues, while in Chicago, the city has a long history as a Democratic stronghold. Religion in both cities is diverse, though Omaha has a slightly larger Christian majority. Chicago's religious scene is notably diverse and includes a significant Catholic population. This transition might take some getting used to, but it also opens up a rich tapestry of new cultural experiences.

Omaha vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When relocating from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL, understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities is essential for anticipating what your daily commute might look like.

ComparisonOmahaChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2034
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

In Omaha, the average commute time is notably shorter than in Chicago, potentially due to lesser traffic congestion. However, the reliance on personal vehicles is higher in Omaha, where public transit options are not as robust or convenient. In contrast, Chicago boasts an extensive public transportation system, enabling residents to comfortably navigate the city without a car. This stark difference in public transit availability marks a significant lifestyle change for those moving from Omaha to Chicago, influencing daily routines, commute times, and even living preferences.

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