Best Philadelphia to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Philadelphia to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 760 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 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 Philadelphia. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Chicago moving option

Hire local Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 63 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Philadelphia and Chicago areas.

From these 63 companies, we analyzed a total of 33,704 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 38 state and federal moving licenses from these 63 companies and 318 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~33,000 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 22,086 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

8.60/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 24,256 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.36/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 9,168 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.77/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 5,519 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.68/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 8,998 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.53/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 4,587 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.83/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 12,603 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.12/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 12,577 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.33/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 23,205 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.52/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 13,521 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.16/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 2,884 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.22/10 avg (Philadelphia & Chicago combined) from 12,052 reviews

From Philadelphia to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Fishtown in Philadelphia & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their: hip artsy community & nightlife
• Philadelphia's Northern Liberties neighborhood & Chicago's Logan Square both share: trendy dining & breweries
• If you're moving from Old City, check out Old Town in the Chicago area for the: historic district & galleries
• Do you enjoy Rittenhouse Square's upscale high-rise living & shopping? You're sure to love Streeterville
• Move from University City to Hyde Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: academic cultural vibe
• South Philly & Bridgeport are both known for their: rowhomes & tight-knit community
• Philadelphia's Manayunk neighborhood & Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood both have: neighborhood feel & local shops
• If you're moving from Chestnut Hill, look into Lincoln Square for the: village-like feel & greenery
• Do you cherish living in Brewerytown's industrial lofts & breweries? Move into West Loop for something similar
• The similar vibes of West Philadelphia & Logan Square are both known for: historic homes & emerging nightlife

Pros and Cons of Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago

ConsPhiladelphia, PA

• Higher crime rates
• Colder winters
• Smaller city
• Less public transit

ProsChicago, IL

• Lower crime in suburbs
• Lake-effect snow
• Larger city vibes
• Better transit options

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Chicago, IL

• Not as historical
• Different food scene
• More urban feel
• Higher living costs

Philadelphia, PA

• Rich history
• Unique cuisine
• Cozy neighborhoods
• Cheaper cost of living

Pros of moving from Philadelphia to Chicago

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime in suburbs
• Look forward to moving away from colder winters and moving to Chicago with lake-effect snow
• Swap the smaller city of Philadelphia for larger city vibes in Chicago
• Get ready for better transit options in Chicago

Cons of moving from Philadelphia to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Philadelphia to live with a less historical experience in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of unique cuisine and have to settle for the con of a different food scene
• Time to bid farewell to cozy neighborhoods and get used to a more urban feel in Chicago
• Swap the cheaper cost of living for higher living costs

Philadelphia vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Philadelphia to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Philadelphia for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Philadelphia rave about their flavorful Roast Pork Sandwich and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Cheesesteak 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 Philadelphia eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav. 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, Au Cheval, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Philadelphia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Zahav, Vetri Cucina, and Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, we're sure you'll love Galit, Spiaggia, and Revival Food Hall in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Philadelphia hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Franklin Fountain, head to Margie's Candies on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Philadelphia and Chicago

• The Colonial and Row Houses architecture that Philadelphia is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Condominiums architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Philadelphia's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transport and historical charm, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to downtown.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Chicago is less walkable than Philadelphia.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Chicago is less bike-friendly than Philadelphia.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Philadelphia.
• Chicago housing costs are 33% more expensive than in Philadelphia, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Philadelphia’s $217,849.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 27% increase in Philadelphia.
• Rent in Chicago is 23.17% more expensive than in Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Philadelphia to Chicago. Chicago gets 9% fewer sunshine days than Philadelphia.
• Chicago has similar humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Philadelphia.
• Say goodbye to the possible flooding and storms in Philadelphia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and extreme cold in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 4 degrees colder than in Philadelphia.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Philadelphia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Philadelphia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Philadelphia and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 26% more than in Philadelphia
• The COLI in Chicago is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Philadelphia
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 3.07 in PA
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate in Philadelphia
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to significant in Philadelphia
• In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Philadelphia and considerable in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Philadelphia vs. Chicago

• Philadelphia tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic, <a href="https://mcachicago.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jewish</a>, and Islamic communities
• Philadelphia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with notable Christian and Muslim communities

Philadelphia vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 6% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Philadelphia commute. That's 1040 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be similar to what it is in Philadelphia.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.