Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to St. Paultoggle

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 St. Paul can be as low as $1,162 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,659.
  • 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 $436 to $1,016. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to St. Paul

Chicago St. Paul
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,350
Average home value $295,743 $278,221
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $63,483
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $3,633
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,290
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.9%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.88%
State income tax 4.95% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in St. Paul are 34% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in St. Paul are 5.9% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in St. Paul is 11.3% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 183.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 8.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 45.56% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in St. Paul are 3.61% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in St. Paul are 98.99% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,514.84 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. St. Paul

St. Paul Chicago
Population 303,176 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 60 77
Bike friendliness score 64 72
Crime Index 50.86 35.19
Safety Index 49.14 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • St. Paul's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
  • St. Paul's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • St. Paul is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • St. Paul's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 50.86 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • St. Paul is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.14 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in St. Paul is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. St. Paul move

  • Weather: St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 St. Paul. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in St. Paul

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Pigs Eye", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Paul.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • St. Anthony Park
  • Summit Hill
  • Summit-University
  • Union Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Macalester-Groveland
  • Summit Hill
  • Highland
  • Union Park
  • St. Anthony Park

Things to do in St. Paultoggle

After settling into your new Minnesota home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Paul has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: St. Paul is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Minnesota Wild (NHL), St. Paul Saints (MiLB), St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL), or Minnesota United FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to St. Paul?

The best time to move from Chicago to St. Paul 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 St. Paul?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to St. Paul 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 St. Paul take?

The 398-mile move from Chicago, IL, to St. Paul, MN, takes one to four 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 St. Paul.

Helpful moving resources