Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Arlingtontoggle

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 Arlington can be as low as $1,280 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,664.
  • 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 $609 to $1,518. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Arlington

Chicago Arlington
Average rent cost $2,045 $2,718
Average home value $295,743 $810,670
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $128,145
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $6,867
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $11,970
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.0%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.95% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Arlington are 33% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Arlington are 174.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Arlington is 79.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 436.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 155.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Arlington is 55.56% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Arlington are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Arlington are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $16,094.53 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Arlington

Arlington Chicago
Population 238,643 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 71 77
Bike friendliness score 72 72
Crime Index 15.67 35.19
Safety Index 79.15 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Arlington's population is about 91% less than Chicago.
  • Arlington's public transportation has a similar score to Chicago.
  • Arlington is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Both Arlington and Chicago have the same bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, meaning Arlington is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Arlington's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 15.67 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Arlington is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 79.15 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Arlington is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Arlington move

  • Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
  • 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 addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Virginia 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 Arlington. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Arlington

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Aurora Highlands
  • Ballston-Virginia Square
  • Bluemont
  • Clarendon-Courthouse
  • Radnor-Ft Myer Heights

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Arlington Ridge
  • Barcroft
  • Chain Bridge Forest
  • Cherrydale
  • Dominion Hills
  • Forest Glen
  • Lyon Village
  • Penrose
  • Westover Village

Things to do in Arlingtontoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill 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 game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Arlington?

The best time to move from Chicago to Arlington 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 Arlington?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Arlington 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 Arlington take?

The 699-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Arlington, VA, takes one to six 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 Arlington.

Helpful moving resources