Best Brownsville to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightTexasChevron RightBrownsvilleChevron RightBrownsville to Chicago

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Brownsville to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,443 mile move from Texas to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Brownsville 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 $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Brownsville 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 Brownsville to Chicago Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Brownsville to Chicago Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3Jones Moving & Storage Company6.561.79Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Brownsville to Chicago

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,443 miles from Brownsville, TX to Chicago, IL will cost on average $3,008 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Brownsville to Chicago move is roughly $7,244. 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$2,021300 ft³6.74
1 Bedroom$3,008450 ft³6.69
2 Bedrooms$4,976750 ft³6.64
3 Bedrooms$7,2441100 ft³6.59
4 Bedrooms$10,4561600 ft³6.54
5+ Bedrooms$11,6731800 ft³6.49
*Please note: These Texas to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Texas & 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 TX to IL mover.
Texas iconArrow iconIllinois icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Brownsville guide.

Compare the 3 Best Brownsville to Chicago Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Jones Moving & Storage Company Logo

Jones Moving & Storage Company

6.56/10
based on 85+ data points

2404 Wilson Rd

Harlingen, TX, 78552

About Jones Moving & Storage Company

Jones Moving & Storage is your local Rio Grande Valley Mayflower agent. Founded in 1922, this company has been a part...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

136532 / 9287 MC-136592

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans18
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved42,552 (2014)
View Full Review
3
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you’re not familiar with the local areas. To ease this transition, we’ve created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Brownsville, TX & Chicago, IL . By aligning popular neighborhoods from Brownsville with their Chicagoan counterparts, we aim to help you find a new home that feels familiar.

BrownsvilleChicagoHow They're Similar
Rancho ViejoAndersonvillevibrant, culturally diverse
Palo AltoHyde Parkrich history, educational hubs
Los FresnosRoscoe Villagefamily-friendly, quiet streets
Port IsabelLakeviewnear water, lively entertainment
Boca ChicaLincoln Parkparks, near water
OlmitoBridgeportdiverse, community-oriented
Laguna VistaWicker Parkartsy, vibrant nightlife
BayviewBucktownartistic, hip neighborhood
HarlingenLogan Squarehistoric, trendy bars and restaurants
South Padre IslandGold Coastupscale, beachfront luxury

For newcomers transitioning from Brownsville to Chicago, neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park offer a vibrant and culturally diverse community, akin to Rancho Viejo and Laguna Vista. Andersonville, known for its Swedish heritage, is bustling with quaint boutiques and ethnic eateries, such as the beloved Swedish American Museum. Similarly, Wicker Park caters to an artsy crowd with its array of vintage shops, trendy bars, and the iconic Double Door music venue. Meanwhile, those accustomed to the waterfront lifestyle of Boca Chica or South Padre Island will find solace in Chicago's Lincoln Park and Gold Coast neighborhoods, where proximity to Lake Michigan offers a blend of urban living with scenic views and outdoor activities.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Brownsville to Chicago

Moving cities can be a daunting process, requiring a careful consideration of both the good and the bad. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Brownsville, TX to Chicago, IL. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in your new home.

CONs
PROs
Brownsville, TX iconBrownsville, TX
  • Higher crime rate
  • Less public transit
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Hotter summers
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Lower crime rate
  • Extensive public transit
  • More job opportunities
  • Larger cultural scene
  • Milder summers
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher cost of living
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • More traffic
  • Less personal space
Brownsville, TX iconBrownsville, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • Warmer winters
  • More outdoor activities
  • Less traffic
  • More personal space

Moving from Brownsville to Chicago, you'll exchange the comfort of milder winters for Chicago's brisk, snowy ones. However, the Windy City more than makes up for it with its vibrant culture and diverse dining scene. Imagine swapping your Brownsville evenings for nights out in Chicago's Wicker Park, where popular bars and lively venues dot the landscape. You'll trade vast, open Texas skies for the architectural marvels lining Chicago's streets, from the historic buildings in The Loop to the modernist Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture. Though you might miss Brownsville's wide open spaces, Chicago's extensive public transit network makes exploring your new city both easy and affordable.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Brownsville & Chicago, highlighting the significance of food in local culture and the living experience in these cities. This guide aims to make you better informed about the culinary differences you'll encounter when moving.

BrownsvilleChicago
Most iconic local food itemSeafood TacosDeep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishBarbacoaItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemElotesChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que
  • El Ultimo Taco
  • Los Camperos
  • Alinea
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • The Purple Pig
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Brownsville, the local cuisine embraces its rich border culture with an emphasis on seafood tacos and barbacoa, reflecting the city's deep-rooted Mexican influence. Here, you can find food trucks serving elotes in vibrant neighborhoods like downtown. On the other hand, Chicago offers a diverse gastronomical experience with its world-famous deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. The city's food scene is remarkable, hosting iconic restaurants such as Alinea and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria across neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and The Magnificent Mile, ensuring you're never far from a culinary adventure, especially for those seeking vegan options such as the vegan deep dish pizza.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

When moving from one city to another, finding a new favorite restaurant can quickly make your new environment feel like home. This comparison chart is aimed to ease the transition for those relocating from Brownsville to Chicago by comparing top restaurants. Whether you're in search of a luscious meal that reminds you of home or eager to dive into new culinary experiences, this guide will help you navigate the bustling food scenes of both cities.

BrownsvilleChicagoWhat You'll Love
Vermillion Restaurant & Watering HoleGene & GeorgettiClassic steakhouse vibe with a rich history.
Zoe’s KitchenAthena Greek RestaurantOffering a similar Mediterranean fare with a cozy ambiance.
El Hueso de Fraile. Coffee, Music & DeliOld Town School of Folk MusicUnique blend of music and cafe culture, albeit more focused on cafe and music performances.
MadeiraCafé Ba-Ba-Reeba!Authentic tapas bar providing a Spanish dining experience akin to Madeira's offerings.
The VermillionThe Berghoff RestaurantBoth have a long-established history with a distinct atmosphere reflective of their respective cities.
Mi Pueblito RestaurantCarnitas UruapanFamed for authentic Mexican dishes that bring a taste of home to those from Brownsville.
Brownsville's Farmer's MarketGreen City MarketDiscover locally sourced produce and artisan foods, echoing the community vibe of Brownsville's market.
Half Moon SaloonThe MoonlighterOffering a comfort-filled bar experience with a diverse beer selection and hearty pub grub.
Los CamperosXocoRick Bayless’s Xoco offers a gourmet approach to traditional Mexican street food, similar to the authentic experience at Los Camperos.
DodiciEatalyFor an expansive selection of Italian cuisine and ingredients that invites comparison with Dodici's focus on quality and authenticity.

While moving from Brownsville to Chicago significantly shifts your geographical location, it doesn't mean you'll miss out on familiar tastes or the opportunity to explore new ones. Gene & Georgetti offers a steakhouse experience reminiscent of the Vermillion Restaurant & Watering Hole, maintaining the tradition of serving high-quality meats in an upscale setting. For those craving authentic Mexican cuisine, Carnitas Uruapan in Chicago serves dishes that mirror the home-style meals of Mi Pueblito Restaurant, ensuring the warmth of Mexican hospitality is never far from reach. And for the foodies enthusiastic about fresh, locally-sourced produce, Green City Market offers a vibrant farmers' market experience similar to what one might find at the Brownsville Farmer's Market, nurturing a community of local food lovers and makers in the heart of Chicago.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Brownsville vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts the moving process, justifying a comparison between Brownsville, TX, and Chicago, IL. Understanding the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle factors can help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonBrownsvilleChicago
Typical Architecture StyleRanch StyleModern & Historic Mix
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge Yards, Quiet NeighborhoodsLake Views, Proximity to Transit

When comparing housing between Brownsville and Chicago, the contrast in urban lifestyle scores and median home prices stand out. Chicago's highly walkable environment, underscored by an 8 out of 10 walkability score, contrasts with Brownsville's more car-dependent setting. Chicago's mix of modern and historic architecture offers a dynamic urban experience, with many listings highlighting lake views and access to public transit. Meanwhile, Brownsville's real estate listings often emphasize large yards and quiet neighborhoods, catering to those seeking a more relaxed, spacious living environment. These distinctions underscore not just differences in housing costs but in lifestyle preferences and living conditions between the two cities.

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.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather between Brownsville and Chicago will compare is crucial. It can prepare you for the shift in seasonal temperatures, sunshine days, and potential weather hazards you're likely to encounter. This comparison aims to highlight those differences and help you adjust more smoothly to your new environment.

Summer icon
93°F / 75°F

Brownsville, TX

85°F / 65°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 50°F

Brownsville, TX

35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
27.4

Brownsville, TX

36.9

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Brownsville, TX

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonBrownsvilleChicago
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Brownsville to Chicago, you'll notice significant differences in both summer and winter temperatures—Chicago's winters are noticeably colder, often leading to snowfall, something you won't experience in Brownsville. The considerably higher annual snowfall in Chicago also reflects a stark contrast to the virtually non-existent snow in Brownsville, emphasizing the need for appropriate winter gear. Additionally, the variability in air quality and the prevalent seasonal allergies in both cities suggest you might need to prepare for different environmental triggers upon relocating. Understanding these weather-related nuances will ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Brownsville, TX to Chicago, IL, it's crucial to understand how your finances could be affected. This comparison will break down key financial differences to help you prepare. Comparing money and finance between Brownsville and Chicago can illuminate the cost adjustments you might need to make.

ComparisonBrownsvilleChicago
Avg. Household Income$47,435$66,576
Cost of Living Index85.8116.9
State Income Tax04.95
Avg. Property Tax2.182.10
Avg. Sales Tax8.2510.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TradeFinance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
AffluenceLowerModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessVisibleSignificant

Relocating from Brownsville to Chicago presents a significant shift in financial realities. Your average household income may see a rise, accompanied by an increase in the cost of living and sales tax rates, impacting your daily expenses directly. Chicago's income tax adds an additional expense not present in Texas, but it's balanced by higher average incomes and a wealth of opportunities in burgeoning industries such as finance and technology. Although both cities contend with poverty and homelessness, Chicago's diverse economy offers a broader scope for personal growth and financial stability.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

When moving from Brownsville, TX to Chicago, IL, understanding the local culture and community is crucial. This concise guide provides a comparison of the politics between Brownsville & Chicago to give you a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscape in both cities, helping you gauge what to expect in your new home.

BrownsvilleChicago
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on border and economic issuesFocus on social justice and city development
ReligionPredominantly Catholic, with significant evangelical Christian communitiesDiverse religious landscape with prominent Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities

In both Brownsville and Chicago, you'll find a political environment that leans heavily towards Democratic values, though the specific issues at the forefront vary between the two locations. In Brownsville, the proximity to the Mexican border brings issues such as immigration and trade to the forefront. Meanwhile, Chicago's local politics frequently address topics like social justice, education reform, and city infrastructure development. Although both cities share a significant Catholic presence, Chicago's religious scene is more diverse, reflecting its larger and more varied population. This comparison suggests that while there may be familiar aspects between your old and new homes, the local nuances in politics and religion will offer fresh experiences and perspectives.

Brownsville vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Brownsville, TX, to Chicago, IL, means adapting to new surroundings, including understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Brownsville & Chicago will help you better understand what your daily commute might look like in both cities.

ComparisonBrownsvilleChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2234
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingYes

In Brownsville, you're likely to find the roads less congested, making car travel more feasible for daily commutes with an average travel time significantly shorter than in Chicago. However, the available public transit in Brownsville scores lower, indicating that having a car is more of a necessity there. In contrast, Chicago boasts robust public transit options, including buses, trains, and bikes, making it easier to navigate the city without a personal vehicle despite higher traffic congestion. Essentially, while the commute time in Chicago may be longer, you'll have a wider range of transportation choices compared to Brownsville, where a car is almost essential.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Brownsville to Chicago Movers Featured Image