Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Detroit 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 Detroit to Chicago can be as low as $1,108 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,304.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $361 to $833. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Chicago

Detroit Chicago
Average rent cost $1,250 $2,045
Average home value $73,156 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $1,175 $1,280
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,145 $4,685
Unemployment rate 9.06% 9.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.25%
State income tax 4.25% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 64% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 304.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Chicago is 89.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 8.9% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 13.0% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago and Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Chicago are 70.83% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 16.47% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,268.09 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Chicago

Chicago Detroit
Population 2,746,388 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 77 51
Bike friendliness score 72 52
Crime Index 35.19 72.92
Safety Index 33.87 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 330% greater than Detroit.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 35.19 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Chicago is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 33.87 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • 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 Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies youโ€™re considering have one and that itโ€™s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicagotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Detroit to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Detroit.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Chicago?

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

The 282-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Chicago, IL, takes one to four days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources