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Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Virginia
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 Virginia
If youโre moving to Virginia from Chicago, IL, youโll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. Virginia
| Chicago, IL | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,440 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $87,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.75% |
Virginia sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 51% less expensive in Virginia than in Chicago.
- Home prices are about 38.9% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.
- The average income is about 20.0% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.
- Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 115.1%.
- Income taxes are 16.16% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago, IL, from Virginia
| Chicago, IL | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high | 84ยบF | 87ยบF |
| Winter low | 19ยบF | 25ยบF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 14" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 19.3 |
Virginia sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Virginia is approximately 217% greater than the population of Chicago.
- In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ยบ F and in Chicago, itโs 84ยบ F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ยบ F and Chicago gets down to 19ยบ F.
- You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
- In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Virginia:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Virginia side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Strong economy |
| Delicious food | Beautiful scenery |
| Abundant entertainment | Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Intense sports culture | Enjoyable four season weather |
| Ample economic opportunity | Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Virginia:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Virginia.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Temperamental weather | Unpredictable weather |
| Terrible traffic | Bad traffic congestion |
| High taxes | Lack of public transportation |
| Pollution | Air noise pollution |
Other considerations when moving to Virginia from Chicago
- Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant. .
- 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, youโll 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Virginia. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโve got everything covered.
Things to do in Virginia
Whether youโre looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโll be happy to find a plethora of these in Virginia.
Museums in Virginia
Parks in Virginia
Sports Teams in Virginia
Universities in Virginia
FAQs
How long does a move from Chicago to Virginia take?
The time it takes to move from Chicago, IL, to Virginia 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 youโre 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 Virginia?
Need to get your car from Chicago to Virginia? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Virginia car shippers.
Why are people moving from Chicago to Virginia?
Many people are moving to Virginia because of its strong economy and beautiful scenery. 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.
