($1,230) Moving from Chicago to Boston
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Boston costs $734 to $5,930 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 984-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Boston to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Boston moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Boston is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Boston.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Boston?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,230 - $4,598 | $831 - $2,024 | $693 - $1,225 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,537 - $5,930 | $1,492 - $2,964 | $734 - $1,577 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,135 - $7,818 | $1,949 - $4,135 | $903 - $1,771 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Boston
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Boston can be as low as $1,230 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,596.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $693 to $1,656. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Boston?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Boston will cost between $1,230 to $4,598. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,537 to $5,930, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Boston will cost from $4,135 to $7,818.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Boston?
Moving containers from Chicago to Boston will cost you $831 to $2,024 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,492 to $2,964. A larger home will cost $1,949 to $4,135.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Boston?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $693 to $1,225. A larger move will cost $734 to $1,577, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Boston costs from $903 to $1,771. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Boston
Cost of living: Chicago vs Boston
| Chicago | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $3,474 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $715,851 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $81,744 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,159 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $4,173 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 6.25% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Boston are 118% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Boston are 133.9% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in Boston is 24.6% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 15.8% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Boston is 16.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is 33.33% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Boston are 39.02% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Boston are 81.82% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,473.53 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Boston?
| Boston | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 26.45 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 62.78 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boston's population is about 75% less than Chicago.
- Boston's public transportation has a similar score to Chicago.
- Boston is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Boston is more bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 86 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Boston's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 26.45 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 26.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 62.78 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Boston is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Boston
- Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Boston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
What to do in Boston
These are some of the best things to do in your new Massachusetts home.
- South End
- Freedom Trail
- North End
- Fenway Park
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
- Boston Public Library
- Back Bay
- Harvard Yard
- Boston Public Garden
- The ICA
Get your sports on!
Boston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Boston?
The best time to move from Chicago to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Boston?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Boston take?
The 984-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Boston, MA, takes two-seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.
