Local moving companies in Philadelphia
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Inexperienced movers
Company Info
State license #: 8922046
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT MISSION 1 LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Good communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Chicago
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Chicago
Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 4.95% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 21% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The home prices in Chicago are 36.3% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 1.2% higher than in Philadelphia. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 43.6% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 49.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 15.09% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 61.24% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,306.97 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Chicago
Chicago | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 9 |
Walkability score | 77 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 67 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 71% greater than Philadelphia.
- Chicago's public transportation has a similar score to Philadelphia.
- Chicago and Philadelphia are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 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 Philadelphia with a score of 35.19 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Chicago and Philadelphia are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Philadelphia to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Philadelphia to Chicago You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Chicago take?
The 759-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.