Moving To Chicago – Thing To Know Before Moving

The city of big shoulders. That’s how poet Carl Sandburg described Chicago.

Chicago is a city that carries a lot of weight—both literally and figuratively.

From its towering skyline to its rich cultural heritage, Chicago stands as one of the most iconic cities in the United States.

But before you pack up your life and head to the Windy City, you’ll want to know a thing or two about what it’s really like living here.

If you're thinking about moving to Chicago, you're not alone.

According to recent reports, the city has a population of around 2.7 million, making it the third-largest city in the U.S.

The diversity, vibrant arts scene, and career opportunities are some of the reasons why people flock to Chicago.

But with a cost of living that’s 14% higher than the national average, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Whether you are drawn to the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza or its job market, there are a lot of things to consider before you make the move.

So, before you book your flight or rent that moving truck, let’s break down what you really need to know about living in Chicago.

Is Chicago a Good Place to Live?

You might be asking, "Is Chicago a good place to live?"

Well, the answer really depends on what you’re looking for, but Chicago offers a lot for a diverse range of people.

If you love dynamic city life, fantastic food, and a rich cultural scene, then Chicago could be perfect for you.

The city is known for its excellent job market, educational institutions, and public transportation system.

However, Chicago’s weather can be a tough adjustment if you’re not used to the cold, snowy winters.

But for those who don’t mind bundling up, Chicago’s events, career opportunities, and diversity are hard to beat.

Best Neighborhoods in Chicago

Chicago is a huge city, and choosing the right neighborhood is key.

Each area has its own vibe, so what’s best for you depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago:

Lincoln Park: Known for its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and proximity to Lake Michigan. It’s a family-friendly area with lots of green space, but the cost of living is on the higher end.

Wicker Park: If you’re into arts, live music, and a vibrant food scene, Wicker Park might be your place. It’s trendy and youthful but more affordable than some of the other downtown areas.

Pilsen: If you’re on a budget but still want to experience the city’s culture, Pilsen is the spot. This neighborhood is known for its Latino heritage, delicious food, and murals, making it an affordable and culturally rich place to live.

Logan Square: This area has been gaining popularity due to its artsy vibe, great restaurants, and proximity to downtown. It's a fantastic blend of affordable housing and a great community feel.

Chicago Housing Market Trends

As with any city, the Chicago housing market trends play a huge role in your decision to move.

The housing market has been quite competitive, with home prices gradually increasing in recent years.

In fact, the median home price in Chicago is around $385,000.

Renting is still a popular option, especially with the younger crowd.

You’ll find both luxury high-rise buildings and more modest apartment complexes.

However, as mentioned, the further from the city center, the more affordable housing options you'll find.

If you’re planning to buy, you should also be prepared for property taxes, which are relatively high in Cook County.

Moving Tips for Chicago Residents

Moving to a new city can be a huge task, but there are ways to make it easier.

Here are a few moving tips for Chicago residents that will save you time and stress:

Plan Ahead: Start researching neighborhoods early and familiarize yourself with public transportation routes if you plan to rely on them.

Weather Prep: Chicago winters can be brutally cold, so investing in a good winter coat, boots, and gloves will be essential.

Find a Reliable Moving Company: Look for Chicago moving companies that have good reviews. Chicago is a big city, and a professional moving service will help you get settled faster.

Chicago Public Transportation Guide

One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Chicago is the public transportation system.

If you’re coming from a smaller city or one without reliable public transport, Chicago’s CTA system (Chicago Transit Authority) can be very helpful.

The CTA has over 100 bus routes and the famous “L” trains, which cover a wide area.

The “L” Train: The elevated train system is the most popular mode of transport, with routes serving the city's north and south sides. You'll need a Ventra card to use it, and a ride typically costs $2.25 per trip.

Buses: Chicago has an extensive bus system, which you can also use with the Ventra card. A bus ride will also cost $2.25.

Chicago’s public transport makes getting around the city easy and affordable, and it’s perfect for those who don’t want to drive or deal with parking.

Schools in the Chicago Area

If you are moving with a family, the schools in Chicago will definitely be on your mind.

Chicago has both public and private schools, with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district being the third-largest in the U.S.

While CPS has faced challenges in recent years, many good schools exist, particularly in areas like Lincoln Park, Beverly, and Hyde Park.

Additionally, Chicago is home to renowned universities like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University.

Chicago Job Opportunities

If you are moving to Chicago for work, you’re in luck.

The city has a diverse economy, with strong job opportunities in industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Major employers like McDonald's, Boeing, and United Airlines have their headquarters here, so there are plenty of job openings in various fields.

Chicago's growing tech scene, especially in River North and the Loop, can benefit job seekers areas.

With several major tech companies setting up offices here, the city offers many opportunities for IT professionals and tech enthusiasts.

Chicago Weather and Climate

One thing you need to seriously consider before moving to Chicago is its weather and climate.

If you’re used to warmer climates, Chicago’s winters will be a big adjustment.

The city experiences extreme cold temperatures, especially from December through February.

Snow is common, and you’ll need to bundle up with layers, hats, and scarves.

Summer in Chicago, however, is beautiful. You’ll find warm temperatures, especially in July and August, with highs averaging in the mid-80s°F.

Chicago Cultural Attractions

Chicago is a cultural powerhouse. From museums to theaters and music festivals, there’s always something happening in the city.

Some must-see cultural attractions include:

Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra: A world-class symphony orchestra.

Navy Pier: Perfect for families, offering attractions, restaurants, and views of Lake Michigan.

Millennium Park: Known for its iconic Cloud Gate (the Bean), outdoor concerts, and beautiful gardens.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Chicago?

If you have decided to move to Chicago, the first question you may ask is, "What will this cost me?"

Well, the price of moving to Chicago depends on several factors—whether you’re renting or buying, your current location, your lifestyle, and the type of move you’re making.

Let’s give you a complete breakdown of the moving costs to Chicago so you can plan accordingly.

Housing Costs

Whether you’re renting or buying, housing costs are often the most significant expense when moving to Chicago.

Let's start with buying and renting separately.

Buying a Home in Chicago

If you're planning to buy a home in Chicago, you should know that home prices have been steadily increasing.

The median home price is around $385,000, but this can depend on the neighborhood.

For example, neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or River North will have significantly higher prices, whereas areas like Pilsen or Logan Square might offer more affordable options.

Here's a breakdown of home-related costs when purchasing:

Renting an Apartment

If buying a home isn’t on your radar just yet, renting is a popular choice.

The cost of renting in Chicago depends heavily on where you want to live—downtown areas are more expensive.

Here’s what you can expect for apartment rent in Chicago:

In addition to rent, you'll need to budget for security deposits, which are one month’s rent, and utilities, which can range from $100 to $200/month.

Moving Costs

When it comes to the actual move, you'll have various costs depending on the distance and whether you're hiring a moving company or doing it yourself.

Hiring a Moving Company 

For a local move within Chicago (less than 50 miles), here’s a rough breakdown:

DIY Moving

If you’re renting a moving truck, this will be cheaper but requires more effort on your part.

Here's an idea of the costs:

Transportation Costs

Whether you’re using public transportation or driving, you’ll want to budget for getting around.

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, the CTA, including trains and buses, which is often the easiest and most affordable way to get around.

Here’s the cost breakdown for public transportation:

For those driving, you’ll need to consider parking and gas costs. Parking in Chicago, especially in downtown areas, can be expensive.

Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500/month for parking in a garage or lot, and gas prices are around $3.50/gallon on average.

Utility Costs

Before moving in, you’ll also want to set aside some money for utilities, which are typically not included in rent.

On average, utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment can cost between $150 to $200/month, which includes:

Miscellaneous Costs

Besides the major expenses, you should also account for some smaller yet important costs that come with the move, like:

Furniture: If you're purchasing new furniture, costs can add up quickly. A basic sofa can range from $300 to $1,000, and a dining table might cost $100 to $500.

Home Essentials: Don't forget things like kitchenware, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Budgeting around $300 to $500 for initial setup is a good idea.

Total Estimated Moving Costs to Chicago

Now that we've covered all the expenses let's summarize what your total moving costs might look like:

Total Estimated Initial Costs for the First Month: $3,000 - $7,000 (depending on your preferences and lifestyle)

A Real-Life Story of Moving to Chicago

Let us tell you the story of Sarah, a 28-year-old marketing professional from sunny Miami. Sarah had always dreamed of living in a big city, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready for the hustle and bustle of New York or LA.

When a job opportunity popped up in Chicago, it seemed like the perfect middle ground: a growing city with incredible career opportunities.

So, after a lot of research and a lot of soul-searching, Sarah decided to pack her bags and make the leap.

Here's how she did it and what she learned along the way.

The Initial Excitement and Challenges

Sarah’s first challenge was figuring out how much it would cost to move to Chicago.

She had lived in Miami her whole life, and though she had visited Chicago a few times, she hadn’t ever lived anywhere else.

She knew she’d need to figure out her budget and make sure everything aligned before pulling the trigger.

At first, everything seemed manageable.

She found an amazing job opportunity with a tech company in the city’s Loop district, and the salary was competitive.

However, after diving into the logistics of moving, she quickly realized that Chicago wasn’t as cheap as she had hoped.

The biggest shock? The housing costs. While Miami had some affordable areas, Chicago was a whole different ballgame.

A one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood like Lakeview would cost her around $2,200 per month, which was much more than what she was paying in Miami.

After speaking with friends and doing some research, she decided to rent for the first year until she could get a better feel for the city.

How Much Did She Spend?

Once Sarah had a sense of her new monthly rent, the next hurdle was estimating her moving costs.

Sarah had a small apartment but needed to hire a moving company to transport all her belongings from Miami to Chicago.

After getting a few quotes, she went with a mid-range moving company that would charge her $2,500 for the long-distance move.

This included the transport of her furniture, packing supplies, and insurance.

She also had to account for additional fees:

· Security deposit: $2,200 (the same as the rent for the first month).

· First month’s rent: Another $2,200.

· Utilities: About $200 to set up electricity, gas, and water for her new apartment.

· Transportation: Sarah opted to rent a U-Haul truck for a weekend trip to pick up a few extra pieces of furniture, which added an additional $150 to her overall costs.

· Miscellaneous costs: She spent around $500 on new items like a couch, kitchenware, and some basic essentials to settle into her new home.

So, the grand total for her first month in Chicago ended up being around $7,550.

It was a lot more than she anticipated, but she had budgeted for this move, so she wasn’t caught off guard.

The Unexpected Challenges

Once Sarah got to Chicago, the challenges didn’t stop with the cost.

She had to get used to some things that were a big change from Miami.

The Weather: First, Chicago’s winters. Oh boy. She’d been warned about the infamous Windy City winter, but nothing could prepare her for the biting cold and the lake-effect snowstorms that came in December. Her first winter was harsh, and there were days when she had to layer up in ways she’d never done before.

The Commute: While Chicago’s CTA system is fantastic, Sarah quickly realized that commuting can be a challenge. She wasn’t used to taking public transportation every day, and learning how to handle the L-train system took some time. There were moments when the trains ran late or they were crowded, and she found herself longing for the comfort of her own car.

The Cost of Living: Although Sarah had braced herself for a higher cost of living, she didn’t expect the daily expenses to add up the way they did. From groceries to going out for dinner, Chicago felt more expensive than Miami.

Overcoming the Challenges

Despite all of these initial setbacks, Sarah took it all in stride.

Her first piece of advice to anyone moving to Chicago would be, “Plan for the unexpected, but don't panic when things don’t go according to plan.”

Here’s how she overcame the hurdles:

Adapt to the Weather: Sarah invested in high-quality winter gear—a good winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and scarves. 

Learn the CTA System: She also learned that timing is everything with Chicago’s public transport. She downloaded apps that helped her track train schedules in real-time and get notifications about delays.

Create a Budget: Sarah adjusted her budget after getting a feel for the city. She learned where to save and where to splurge.

Make Chicago Your Own: One of the best things she did was start exploring the city as soon as possible. Sarah found local coffee shops, parks, and hidden gems that made her feel more connected to the city.

Advice for Others Moving to Chicago

When Sarah looks back at her experience, here’s her advice for anyone else considering a move to Chicago:

· “Do your research and budget for the unexpected costs. The cost of living in Chicago is definitely higher than other cities, but there are ways to manage it if you plan carefully.”

· “Get to know the public transportation system. It’ll save you both time and money in the long run. Don’t try to rely on driving in the city—it’s just not worth the hassle.”

· “Expect the weather to be challenging at first, but embrace it. Invest in good gear, and don't let it keep you indoors."

“And finally, get out there and explore. Chicago has a lot to offer. The sooner you get out of your apartment and into the city, the quicker you