Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Texas

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to Texas

If youโ€™re moving to Texas from Chicago, IL, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Texas

Chicago, IL Texas
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,251
Average home cost $295,743 $300,267
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $73,035
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.1%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 67% less expensive in Texas than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 1.8% higher in Texas than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 1.9% higher in Texas than in Chicago.
  • Texas has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 92.5%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Texas than in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Texas

Chicago, IL Texas
Population 2,746,388 30,503,301
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 56-44
Summer high 84ยบF 94ยบF
Winter low 19ยบF 36ยบF
Annual rain 38" 36"
Annual snow 35" 2"
Crime index 35.19 27.32
  • The population of Texas is approximately 1,011% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Texas voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Texas is 94ยบ F and in Chicago, itโ€™s 84ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Texas reaches the temperature of 36ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Texas vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Texas, it snows about 2 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Texas:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Texas side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Texas
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Ample economic opportunity
Delicious food Favorable climate
Abundant entertainment Delicious barbecue
Intense sports culture Low taxes
Ample economic opportunity Privacy and freedom

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Texas:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Texas.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Texas
High crime rate Severe weather
Temperamental weather Limited healthcare access
Terrible traffic High crime rate
High taxes Traffic issues
Pollution Politics

Other considerations when moving to Texas from Chicago

  • Weather: Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months 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, youโ€™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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Texas. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Texas

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Texas.

Museums in Texastoggle

  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument
  • USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
  • National Museum of the Pacific War
  • Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
  • The Buddy Holly Center
  • Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
  • The Alamo
  • George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Parks in Texastoggle

  • Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
  • Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
  • Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
  • Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
  • Garner State Park, Concan
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat
  • Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City and Stonewall
  • Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, near Comstock
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument, Waco

Sports Teams in Texastoggle

  • Austin FC (MLS)
  • Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
  • Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
  • Dallas Stars (NHL)
  • Dallas Wings (WNBA)
  • FC Dallas (MLS)
  • Houston Astros (MLB)
  • Houston Dash (NWSL)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS)
  • Houston Rockets (NBA)
  • Houston Texans (NFL)
  • San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
  • Texas Rangers (MLB)

Universities in Texastoggle

  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Houston
  • The University of Texas at Arlington
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
  • The University of North Texas
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Texas State University

FAQs

How long does a move from Chicago to Texas take?

The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Texas depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Texas?

Need to get your car from Chicago to Texas? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Texas car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Texas?

Many people are moving to Texas because of its ample economic opportunity and favorable climate. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources