Best Charleston to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Charleston to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 910 mile move from South Carolina to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 41 Charleston 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 606 Movers, Inc.), 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 Charleston 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.
Best Charleston to Chicago Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Armstrong Relocation | 8.15 | 7.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Charleston to Chicago
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 910 miles from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL will cost on average $2,555 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Chicago move is roughly $6,136. 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 | $1,718 | 300 ft³ | 5.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,555 | 450 ft³ | 5.68 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,221 | 750 ft³ | 5.63 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,136 | 1100 ft³ | 5.58 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,845 | 1600 ft³ | 5.53 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,860 | 1800 ft³ | 5.48 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Chicago Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
Smooth Move Charleston
4767 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC, 29405
About Smooth Move Charleston
With locations in Rock Hill and Charleston, South Carolina, Smooth Move is a locally owned and operated moving company that is...
Services
- Full Service Packing and Unpacking
- Short or Long Distance Moves
- Residential or Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2357653 / 834668 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
Ready Set Movers
454 Deanna Ln
Charleston, SC, 29492
About Ready Set Movers
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Ready Set Movers provides relocation services for both local and long-distance moves. Since...
Services
- Local and interstate moves
- Full-service moving
- Accurate and detailed estimates
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2150739 / 756179 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
Armstrong Relocation
7167 Cross County Rd
North Charleston, SC, 29418
About Armstrong Relocation
Established in 1957, Armstrong Relocation has long been a stalwart of the moving industry. Although based in Memphis, Tennessee, the company...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Employee Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3528195 / 1173611 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (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.
Charleston vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're unfamiliar with its neighborhoods. This comparison provides a guide to help you relate familiar areas from Charleston, SC with their Chicago, IL counterparts.
| Charleston | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Loop | Historic charm, central location |
| Charleston Historic District | Gold Coast | Upscale, historic architecture |
| West Ashley | Hyde Park | Residential, community vibe |
| James Island | Andersonville | Relaxed, community-focused living |
| Mount Pleasant | Lincoln Park | Family-friendly, suburban feel |
| Sullivans Island | Oak Park | Quaint, natural beauty |
| Isle of Palms | Evanston | Beachy, leisurely atmosphere |
| Summerville | Naperville | Growing, suburban area |
| North Charleston | Logan Square | Artist-run spaces, nightlife |
| Daniel Island | Bucktown | Up-and-coming, modern development |
Exploring your new surroundings in Chicago, you might find comfort in neighborhoods that mirror Charleston’s vibe. For instance, if you're accustomed to the historic allure and centrality of Charleston's French Quarter, you'll feel right at home in Chicago's Loop. The Loop, with its rich history and iconic landmarks like the Art Institute of Chicago, blends historic charm with modern-day convenience, much like Charleston's quaint cobblestone streets. If you enjoy the laid-back beachy atmosphere of Sullivans Island, you’ll appreciate Evanston for its proximity to Lake Michigan and its relaxed ambiance. Embrace the cultural mix and community spirit reminiscent of Charleston's neighborhoods as you settle into Chicago's dynamic urban landscape.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Chicago
The move from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL offers an opportunity for a fresh start, with distinct benefits and challenges unique to each destination. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the move's good and bad attributes to help you make an informed decision and embrace the changes ahead.
Charleston, SC- Humidity and heat
- Limited job market
- Hurricane risk
- Less cultural variety
Chicago, IL- Seasonal weather
- Diverse job opportunities
- Less natural disaster risk
- Rich cultural scene
Chicago, IL- Busy city pace
- Higher cost of living
- Harsh winters
- High population density
Charleston, SC- Charming city vibe
- Lower cost of living
- Beautiful beaches
- Less crowded
In moving from Charleston to Chicago, you'll trade the charming southern vibe for the bustling energy of a major metropolis. Chicago's renowned neighborhoods like Lakeview and The Loop offer an array of cultural experiences, dining, and sights that surpass Charleston's offerings. Explore world-class dining in the West Loop or relax in the scenic surroundings of Millennium Park—amenities Chicago boasts alongside a more robust job market. Yet, this move comes with trade-offs: prepare for chilling winters and a higher cost of living. Charleston's warm beaches and laid-back charm may be missed, but Chicago's vibrant culture awaits.
Charleston vs. Chicago Food Guide
Food is an integral part of experiencing a new location's culture and daily life. In this guide, we'll explore a comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Chicago to help you settle into the food scene you're moving to.
| Charleston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Shrimp and Grits | Italian Beef Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Hushpuppies | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Southern Succotash | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Chicago is a city where the food scene shines brightly, offering culinary experiences rivaled by few. When it comes to iconic dishes, the deep-dish pizza stands out, with establishments like Giordano's in the South Loop serving a must-try slice. Wicker Park is a neighborhood where you can explore a diverse array of vegan options too, including delicious pizza variations. The city’s vibrant food truck presence allows easy access to authentic Chicago hot dogs. For fine dining, Alinea in Lincoln Park offers an avant-garde culinary journey that reflects the creativity and depth of Chicago's food culture. As a whole, Chicago's cuisine embraces both tradition and innovation, making it an exciting destination for any food lover.
Charleston vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Food is a pivotal element in turning a new city into a new home. This restaurant comparison helps you discover your next favorite spots in Charleston and Chicago by using familiar Charleston eateries as a guiding map.
| Charleston | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary | Smyth | Both offer exquisite seafood with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients |
| Husk | Blackbird | Celebrated for their innovation in American cuisine |
| FIG | Avec | Known for their commitment to fresh, quality food and rustic dishes |
| Xiao Bao Biscuit | Sun Wah BBQ | Famed for their Asian fusion and authentic regional fare |
| Poe's Tavern | Kuma's Corner | Both boast a laid-back atmosphere with legendary burgers |
| The Grocery | Girl & the Goat | Both emphasize sharing plates featuring bold flavors |
| Leon’s Oyster Shop | The Publican | Each known for family-style ambiance and a focus on seafood |
| Halls Chophouse | Chicago Cut Steakhouse | Classic steakhouses renowned for quality meat and attentive service |
| Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit | Scone City | Offers similar baked goods with a creative twist |
| Fleet Landing | Shaw's Crab House | Both deliver waterfront dining with expert seafood preparation |
In Charleston, dining at The Ordinary embraces you with sumptuous seafood in an elegantly restored bank building. Similarly, Smyth in Chicago offers an elevated seafood experience, paying homage to the freshest local catches and modern culinary artistry. If southern comfort with an innovative edge is what brings warmth to your heart, then Husk and Blackbird will tantalize your taste buds. Both redefine what it means to serve American cuisine through inventive dishes crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. When it’s beer and burgers you're searching for, the lively atmosphere at Poe’s Tavern and Kuma's Corner will not disappoint, each offering unique, mouth-watering creations that reimagine the classic burger.
Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding real estate dynamics can be crucial. This comparison highlights key housing statistics and characteristics of Charleston, SC and Chicago, IL , enabling informed decisions about your potential relocation.
| Comparison | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Charleston Single House | Chicago Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic charm | Proximity to transit |
Charleston's housing market is characterized by its distinctive Charleston single houses, offering historical charm and appealing to those who appreciate traditional architecture. In contrast, Chicago's real estate prominently features bungalows, providing a blend of comfort and accessibility. If you value a vibrant urban lifestyle, Chicago outshines with its high walkability and bikeability scores, making daily commutes and outings more convenient. Budget-wise, Chicago offers a lower median home price, which might be appealing if housing affordability is a consideration. Meanwhile, Charleston's property listings frequently emphasize its historic charm, attracting those interested in extensive architectural heritage.
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.
Charleston vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
If you're moving from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL , it's crucial to understand the weather differences between these two cities. Familiarizing yourself with these variations helps you prepare for your new environment and adjust smoothly.
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Flooding | Tornadoes, Snowstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When you move from Charleston's warmer climate, you'll notice Chicago's more pronounced seasonal changes. Summers in both cities offer warmth, but winters in Chicago are substantially colder compared to mild Charleston. Ready your wardrobe for snow and lower winter temperatures! The frequency of snowfall and weather-related challenges like snowstorms in Chicago may require you to rework your commute and daily routine, unlike Charleston, where rain and hurricanes are more frequent concerns.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Chicago
If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This chart will help you assess essential money and finance factors between Charleston, SC and Chicago, IL to better prepare for financial adjustments in your new city.
| Comparison | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 7% | 4.95% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.5% | 2.3% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9% | 10.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Manufacturing, Technology | Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
Moving from Charleston to Chicago brings several financial differences to consider. While Charleston boasts a higher average household income, Chicago's cost of living index is slightly higher, signaling a need for adjustment in budgeting. Property taxes in Chicago are significantly higher, which could impact your decision on housing. Although sales tax in Chicago is marginally higher, the city's diverse job market in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing may provide more career opportunities, possibly compensating for increased living expenses.
Charleston vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
When moving from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL, you may wonder how the local political and religious makeup will change. This guide offers a comparison of the politics between Charleston & Chicago , providing a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of local demographics to help you prepare for this new chapter.
| Charleston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderate, with a slight conservative leaning | Liberal, predominantly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on historical preservation and tourism | Urban development and social justice initiatives |
| Religion | Majority Christian with a strong presence of Protestant denominations | Diverse, with Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism being significant |
As you transition to life in Chicago, you may notice a shift in the political atmosphere. Charleston, known for its blend of Southern charm and historical significance, tends to focus on policies that protect its rich heritage, while [Chicago](https://www.choosechicago.com) embraces urban development and progressive social justice initiatives. The diverse religious landscape in Chicago also adds to the city's dynamic cultural tapestry, contrasting Charleston's predominantly Protestant environment. Exploring local neighborhoods will introduce you to different political discussions as well as religious communities, offering a broadened perspective.
Charleston vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When planning your move from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL, it's essential to understand the dynamics of daily commuting. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Chicago aims to give you insights into what to expect on the road and how you'll navigate the bustling streets of your new city.
| Comparison | Charleston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 23 | 35 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
Moving to Chicago, you'll find that public transit is far more available and efficient than in Charleston. While Charleston's reliance on cars is evident, Chicago offers robust options via its extensive network of buses and trains operated by the CTA. The higher traffic congestion rating might mean longer driving hours, but the convenience of transit options in Chicago could make owning a car less necessary. As you adjust, these differences could significantly influence your daily routine and commuting habits.
Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to Illinois Routes
Popular Moving Resources
