Best Minneapolis to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Minneapolis to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 409 miles from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 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 Minneapolis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Chicago moving option

Hire local Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 49 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Minneapolis and Chicago areas.

From these 49 companies, we analyzed a total of 27,519 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 34 state and federal moving licenses from these 49 companies and 260 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~27,000 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 19,067 Minneapolis 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 Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Minneapolis 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.

8.44/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 20,851 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.13/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 7,707 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.56/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 4,547 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.46/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 7,624 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.30/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 4,031 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.66/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 10,959 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.99/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 10,326 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.18/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 19,726 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.35/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 11,359 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.16/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 2,561 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.04/10 avg (Minneapolis & Chicago combined) from 10,395 reviews

From Minneapolis to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• North Loop in Minneapolis & River North in Chicago are both known for their lofts in converted warehouses & trendy restaurants
• Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood & Chicago's Lakeview both share lakeside nightlife & diverse bars
• If you're moving from Northeast Minneapolis, check out West Loop in the Chicago area for the craft breweries & artsy galleries
• Do you enjoy Linden Hills' village shops & lakeside parks? You're sure to love Andersonville
• Move from Lowry Hill to Gold Coast and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic mansions & upscale atmosphere
• Loring Park & Lincoln Park are both known for their central park space & cultural events
• Minneapolis' Bryn Mawr neighborhood & Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood both have lakeside high-rises & a quiet residential vibe
• If you're moving from Powderhorn, look into Logan Square for the community murals & indie coffee shops
• Do you cherish living in Dinkytown's college town energy & student-focused amenities? Move into Hyde Park for something similar
• The similar vibes of Elliot Park & South Loop are both known for downtown apartments & an emerging dining scene

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minneapolis to Chicago

ConsMinneapolis, MN

• Colder winters
• Smaller job market
• Less diverse cuisine
• Lower public transit usage
• Fewer cultural venues

ProsChicago, IL

• Milder winters
• Larger job market
• More diverse cuisine
• Better public transit options
• More cultural venues

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Chicago, IL

• Fewer green spaces
• Higher cost of living
• More traffic congestion
• Larger city feel
• Lesser bike lanes

Minneapolis, MN

• More green spaces
• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• Smaller community feel
• Safe bicycle lanes

Pros of moving from Minneapolis to Chicago

• Say goodbye to colder winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a smaller job market and moving to Chicago with a larger job market
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of Minneapolis for more diverse cuisine in Chicago
• Get ready for better public transit options in Chicago

Cons of moving from Minneapolis to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from more green spaces in Minneapolis to live with fewer green spaces in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to more traffic congestion in Chicago
• Swap a smaller community feel for a larger city feel

Minneapolis vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Minneapolis to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Juicy Lucy of Minneapolis for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Minneapolis rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Mini Donuts, 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 Grain Bowls 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 Minneapolis eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Cafe Alma. 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, Au Cheval, and Girl & The Goat.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Minneapolis. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Spoon and Stable, Brasa Premium Rotisserie, and Matt's Bar in Minneapolis, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Publican, and Au Cheval in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Minneapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Alma, head to Girl and The Goat on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minneapolis and Chicago

• The Prairie School and Tudor architecture that Minneapolis is known for will be replaced with the Brick Bungalows and Greystones architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Minneapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and green space, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transportation and lake views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Minneapolis.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Chicago is less bike-friendly than Minneapolis.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Minneapolis.
• Chicago housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Minneapolis, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Minneapolis’s $317,405.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased 17% compared to a 16% increase in Minneapolis.
• Rent in Chicago is 30.59% more expensive than in Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minneapolis to Chicago. Chicago gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Minneapolis.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Minneapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Minneapolis, but be on the lookout for potential snow, wind, and floods in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 2 degrees warmer than in Minneapolis.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees warmer than those in Minneapolis.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Chicago since it receives 6.3 more inches of rain compared to Minneapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minneapolis and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 4% less than in Minneapolis
• The COLI in Chicago is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Minneapolis
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.35 - 9.85 in MN
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Minneapolis
• The poverty level is significant in Chicago compared to moderate poverty in Minneapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Minneapolis and widespread in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Minneapolis vs. Chicago

• Minneapolis 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 diverse with a large Catholic presence and diverse religious communities
• Minneapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with significant Lutheran and Catholic communities

Minneapolis vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 40% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Minneapolis commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Minneapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.