Best Rochester to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Rochester to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 602 miles from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 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 Rochester. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Rochester 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 Rochester to Chicago moving option

Hire local Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 41 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Rochester and Chicago areas.

From these 41 companies, we analyzed a total of 24,886 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 41 companies and 217 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~24,000 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 18,816 Rochester 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 Interior Moving Services, Inc.).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Rochester 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.

8.55/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 19,329 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.16/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 7,202 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.64/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 4,232 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.52/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 7,008 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.43/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 3,739 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 10,228 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.09/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 9,534 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.29/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 18,180 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.47/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 10,602 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.11/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 2,326 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.27/10 avg (Rochester & Chicago combined) from 9,654 reviews

From Rochester to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Park Avenue in Rochester & Lincoln Square in Chicago are both known for their tree-lined streets & boutique shops
• Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park both share a hip vibe & craft breweries
• If you're moving from Neighborhood of the Arts, check out River North in the Chicago area for the art galleries & studios
• Do you enjoy Corn Hill's Victorian-era homes & historic district? You're sure to love Old Town
• Move from Maplewood to Andersonville and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: family-friendly & local eateries
• Upper Monroe & Hyde Park are both known for their university-centered community
• Rochester's 19th Ward neighborhood & Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood both have a diverse population & gentrifying atmosphere
• If you're moving from East Avenue, look into Lincoln Park for the museum district & green space

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rochester to Chicago

ConsRochester, NY

• Smaller city vibe
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer job opportunities
• Colder winters
• Less dynamic nightlife

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, vibrant city
• More cultural diversity
• More job opportunities
• Milder winters
• Lively nightlife

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• More impersonal
• Higher crime rates
• More urban
• More traffic

Rochester, NY

• Affordable housing
• Close-knit communities
• Lower crime rates
• Natural beauty
• Less traffic

Pros of moving from Rochester to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to a larger, vibrant city
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to Chicago with more cultural diversity
• Swap the fewer job opportunities of Rochester for more job opportunities in Chicago
• Get ready for milder winters in Chicago

Cons of moving from Rochester to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Rochester to live with a higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of a more impersonal environment
• Time to bid farewell to lower crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Chicago
• Swap natural beauty for urban density

Rochester vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Rochester to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Garbage Plate of Rochester for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Rochester rave about their flavorful Beef on Weck and sumptuous White Hots, 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 Vegan Garbage Plate 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 Rochester eateries like Nick Tahou Hots, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and The Revelry. 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, Portillo's, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Rochester. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Rochester. 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 Rochester favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved DiBella's Subs, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and Highland Park Diner in Rochester, we're sure you'll love Al's Beef, Smoke Daddy, and Lou Mitchell's in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Rochester hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, head to Intelligentsia Coffee on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rochester and Chicago

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Rochester is known for will be replaced with the Brick bungalows and Greystones architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Rochester's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and quiet streets, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes because Chicago is more walkable than Rochester.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike because Chicago is more bike-friendly than Rochester.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Rochester.
• Chicago housing costs are 38% more expensive than they are in Rochester, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Rochester’s $210,711.
• Over the prior 0 years, home prices in Chicago have decreased by 0% compared to a 0% decrease in Rochester.
• Rent in Chicago is 46.92% more expensive than in Rochester.

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 Rochester and Chicago

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rochester to Chicago. Chicago gets 15% more sunshine days than Rochester.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rochester.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and ice storms in Rochester, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 5 degrees warmer than in Rochester.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Rochester.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Chicago. Chicago receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Rochester.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rochester and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 59% more than those in Rochester
• The COLI in Chicago is 17% higher than what you are used to living in Rochester
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 6.21 in NY
• The affluence in Chicago is higher compared to modest affluence in Rochester
• The poverty level is comparable in Chicago compared to higher poverty levels in Rochester
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Rochester and significant in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Rochester vs. Chicago

• Rochester tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others
• Rochester's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix, with a significant Christian population

Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.