($1,381) Movers From Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA

What to know before moving from Chicago to Philadelphia

• Rent prices in Philadelphia are 17% lower than in Chicago.
• Home prices in Philadelphia are 26.7% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Philadelphia is 1.1% lower than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 98.5% higher than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 32.1% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 17.78% higher than in Chicago.
• Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Philadelphia are 37.98% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,955.47 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Philadelphia

• Philadelphia's population is about 42% less than Chicago.
• Philadelphia's public transportation has a similar score to Chicago.
• Philadelphia is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score 67 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.
• Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 66.09 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Philadelphia is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 33.91 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Philadelphia move

• Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
• 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Philly", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources