Best Fort Wayne to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Fort Wayne to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 163 miles from Fort Wayne, IN to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Fort Wayne. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Fort Wayne entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Fort Wayne to Chicago moving option

Hire local Fort Wayne movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Fort Wayne to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Fort Wayne to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Fort Wayne, IN to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Fort Wayne to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 37 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Fort Wayne and Chicago areas.

From these 37 companies, we analyzed a total of 23,451 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 37 companies and 199 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~23,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 18,704 Fort Wayne to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like My Movers Inc.).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Fort Wayne to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.28/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 18,667 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

7.92/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 6,871 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.38/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 4,016 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.24/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 6,647 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.00/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 3,575 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.64/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 9,942 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.87/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 9,144 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

7.99/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 17,508 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.17/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 10,134 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.95/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 2,247 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.94/10 avg (Fort Wayne & Chicago combined) from 9,267 reviews

From Fort Wayne to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Downtown in Fort Wayne & River North in Chicago are both known for their central business district with restaurants & entertainment
• Fort Wayne's West Central neighborhood & Chicago's Old Town both share a historic residential area with Victorian-era homes
• If you're moving from North Anthony, check out Lincoln Square in the Chicago area for the tree-lined streets with a family-friendly vibe
• Do you enjoy Ardmore's modest single-family homes in a diverse community? You're sure to love Avondale
• Move from Coventry to Hyde Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: a college-town feel with cultural institutions
• Waynedale & Norwood Park are both known for their suburban feel within the city and mid-century ranch homes
• Fort Wayne's Southtown neighborhood & Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood both have industrial roots turning into an arts & dining hub
• If you're moving from Franklin Park, look into Rogers Park for a quiet residential area with bungalow-style homes
• Do you cherish living in Harrison Hill's scenic elevated streets near water? Move into Edgewater for something similar
• The similar vibes of Riverfront District & Lincoln Park are both known for riverside trails and green spaces

Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Wayne to Chicago

ConsFort Wayne, IN

• Smaller job market
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited nightlife
• Less public transit options

ProsChicago, IL

• Diverse job opportunities
• Rich cultural diversity
• Vibrant nightlife
• Extensive public transit

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• More urban
• Heavier traffic
• Less personal

Fort Wayne, IN

• Lower cost of living
• More suburban feel
• Less traffic congestion
• Smaller community

Pros of moving from Fort Wayne to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller job market and hello to diverse job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to Chicago with rich cultural diversity
• Swap the limited nightlife of Fort Wayne for the vibrant nightlife in Chicago
• Get ready for extensive public transit in Chicago

Cons of moving from Fort Wayne to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Fort Wayne to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a more suburban feel and have to settle for the con of a more urban environment
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to the heavier traffic in Chicago
• Swap the smaller community for less personal connections

Fort Wayne vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Fort Wayne to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Garbage Plate of Fort Wayne for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Fort Wayne rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and sumptuous Bratwurst, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Samosas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Fort Wayne eateries like Cindy's Diner, Club Soda, and DeBrand Fine Chocolates. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Al's Italian Beef, and Aurelio's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Fort Wayne. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Fort Wayne. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Fort Wayne favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Catablu Grille, Copper Spoon, and Paula’s On Main in Fort Wayne, we're sure you'll love Girl & The Goat, avec, and Joe's Seafood in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Fort Wayne hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Tolon, head to Publican on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Fort Wayne and Chicago

• The Ranch and Colonial architecture that Fort Wayne is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Fort Wayne's real estate listings that commonly reference family-friendly and spacious yards, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Fort Wayne.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Fort Wayne.
• Chicago housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Fort Wayne, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Fort Wayne’s $225,268.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased 17% compared to a 64% increase in Fort Wayne.
• Rent in Chicago is 81.09% more expensive than in Fort Wayne.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Fort Wayne and Chicago

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Fort Wayne to Chicago. Chicago gets 2% more sunshine days than Fort Wayne.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Fort Wayne.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in Fort Wayne, but be on the lookout for potential severe storms and tornadoes in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 1 degree colder than Fort Wayne.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Fort Wayne.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Fort Wayne.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Fort Wayne and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 22% more than in Fort Wayne
• The COLI in Chicago is 24% higher than what you are used to living in Fort Wayne
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate in Fort Wayne
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to low in Fort Wayne
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Fort Wayne and high in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Fort Wayne vs. Chicago

• Fort Wayne tends to lean moderately Conservative in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as Christian (various denominations) with a significant presence of other religions
• Fort Wayne's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (various denominations)

Fort Wayne vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 55% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Fort Wayne commute. That's 6,240 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Fort Wayne.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.