Best Boston to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Boston to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 1,020 miles from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 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 Boston. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Boston 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 Boston to Chicago moving option

Hire local Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston, MA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 78 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Boston and Chicago areas.

From these 78 companies, we analyzed a total of 41,297 reviews dating all the way back to July 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 72 state and federal moving licenses from these 78 companies and 399 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~41,000 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 26,345 Boston 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 Stairhopper Movers).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Boston 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.

8.94/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 31,052 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.70/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 11,919 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

8.24/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 7,692 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

8.23/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 11,444 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

7.27/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 5,644 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

9.12/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 16,476 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.32/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 15,526 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.74/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 29,729 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.90/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 16,975 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

5.14/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 3,118 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.70/10 avg (Boston & Chicago combined) from 15,654 reviews

From Boston to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Back Bay in Boston & Gold Coast in Chicago are both known for their: historic brownstones & upscale shopping
• Boston's South End neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park both share: an artsy vibe & trendy eateries
• If you're moving from Beacon Hill, check out Old Town in the Chicago area for the: historic architecture & cobblestone streets
• Do you enjoy North End's strong Italian heritage & dining scene? You're sure to love Little Italy
• Move from Jamaica Plain to Logan Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: parks & community gardens
• Allston & Lakeview are both known for their: student population & nightlife
• Boston's Brighton neighborhood & Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood both have: a residential feel & local shops
• If you're moving from Fenway, look into Wrigleyville for the: sports-focused bars & student housing
• Do you cherish living in Charlestown's waterfront living & family-oriented atmosphere? Move into Edgewater for something similar
• The similar vibes of East Boston & Rogers Park are both known for: diverse communities & lakeshore access

Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Chicago

ConsBoston, MA

• Higher living costs
• Harsher winters
• Compact city layout
• Less diverse food scene

ProsChicago, IL

• More affordable housing
• Milder winters
• Spacious city layout
• More diverse food scene

---

Chicago, IL

• Fewer historical sites
• Less seafood variety
• Less extensive transit
• Further from Europe

Boston, MA

• Rich historical sites
• Excellent seafood
• Extensive public transit
• Closer to Europe

Pros of moving from Boston to Chicago

• Say goodbye to higher living costs and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from harsher winters and moving to Chicago with milder winters
• Swap the compact city layout of Boston for a spacious city layout in Chicago
• Get ready for a more diverse food scene in Chicago

Cons of moving from Boston to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich historical sites in Boston to live with fewer historical sites in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of excellent seafood and have to settle for the con of less seafood variety
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to less extensive transit in Chicago
• Swap closer to Europe for being further from Europe

Boston vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Boston to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Boston for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Boston rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Fried Clams, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago-Style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Boston eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Oleana. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Boston. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Boston. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly 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 Boston favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Ostra, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's City Diner in Boston, we're sure you'll love Aba, GT Fish & Oyster, and Lou Mitchell's in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Boston hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Uni, head to Momotaro on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Boston and Chicago

• The Victorian and Federal architecture that Boston is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Boston's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to universities and historic details, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and access to public transit.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Chicago is less walkable than Boston.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Chicago is less bike-friendly than Boston.
• Chicago has less of an urban feel than Boston.
• Chicago housing costs are 61% less expensive than in Boston, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Boston’s $741,153.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 16% increase in Boston.
• Rent in Chicago is 35.12% more affordable than in Boston.

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 Boston and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Boston to Chicago. Chicago gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Boston.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Boston.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Boston, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and occasional tornadoes in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 3 degrees warmer than in Boston.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Boston.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 4.6 fewer inches of rain compared to Boston.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Boston and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 16% less than those in Boston
• The COLI in Chicago is 12% lower than what you are used to living in Boston
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5 in MA
• The affluence in Chicago is moderate compared to high in Boston
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to moderate in Boston
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Boston and high in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Boston vs. Chicago

• Boston tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as religious diversity with significant Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities
• Boston's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a large Catholic population and diverse faith communities

Boston vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 17% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Boston commute. That's 2600 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be better than it is in Boston.
• Public transit is less readily available in Chicago.