Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Corpus Christitoggle

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 Corpus Christi can be as low as $1,418 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,535.
  • 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 $980 to $2,528. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Corpus Christi

Moving from Chicago to Corpus Christi means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Corpus Christi, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Corpus Christi so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chicago Corpus Christi
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,395
Average home value $295,743 $215,604
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $62,600
Cost of living (single person) $3,648 $2,106
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,266 $4,623
Unemployment rate 9.0% 11.8%
Sales tax 10.25% 8.26%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Corpus Christi are 32% lower than in Chicago, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Corpus Christi.
    Home prices in Corpus Christi are 27.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Corpus Christi is 12.5% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Corpus Christi include Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi ISD, and CHRISTUS Spohn Health Systems.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Corpus Christi is 42.3% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Corpus Christi is 50.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Corpus Christi is 31.11% higher than in Chicago.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Corpus Christi, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Corpus Christi are 19.41% lower than in Chicago.
  • One perk of moving to Corpus Christi is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,731.91 in Corpus Christi to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi Chicago
Population 317,863 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 40 77
Bike friendliness score 42 72
Crime Index 45.97 35.19
Safety Index 54.03 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Corpus Christi's population is about 88% less than Chicago.
  • Corpus Christi's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
  • Corpus Christi is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Corpus Christi has a bike-friendliness score 42 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.
  • Corpus Christi's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 45.97 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Corpus Christi neighborhoods are safer than 45.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Corpus Christi is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 54.03 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Corpus Christi is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Corpus Christi move

  • Weather: As a part of the gulf region of Texas, Corpus Christi is susceptible to hurricanes with the highest probability in September. Tropical storms in this time of year may affect your move.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 Corpus Christi. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Corpus Christi

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Sparkling City by the Sea", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Corpus Christi.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Calallen
  • Downtown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Central City
  • Bay Area
  • Ingleside
  • Rockport
  • Portland

Things to do in Corpus Christi

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

  • Arts and culture: Corpus Christi is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, Selena Museum, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, The Art Museum of South Texas, and Texas Surf Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Texas State Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Malaquite Beach, and Whitecap Beach 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 Corpus Christi Hooks, Corpus Christi IceRays, Corpus Christi Crabs, or Corpus Christi FC game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Corpus Christi?

The best time to move from Chicago to Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi take?

The 1,290-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Corpus Christi, TX, takes three to eight 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 Corpus Christi.

Helpful moving resources