Best Norfolk to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Norfolk to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 886 miles from Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Chicago moving option

Hire local Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 46 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Norfolk and Chicago areas.

From these 46 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,141 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 31 state and federal moving licenses from these 46 companies and 253 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 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 19,401 Norfolk 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 A Friendly & Affordable Mover).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Norfolk 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.

8.45/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 19,877 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.12/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 7,286 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.39/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 4,202 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.44/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 7,157 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.17/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 3,738 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.67/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 10,415 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.98/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 9,852 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.15/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 18,761 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.37/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 10,958 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.98/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 2,470 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.97/10 avg (Norfolk & Chicago combined) from 9,909 reviews

From Norfolk to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Ghent in Norfolk & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their artsy community with boutiques & vibrant nightlife
• Norfolk's Freemason neighborhood & Chicago's Old Town both share a historic district with Victorian-era homes & walkability
• If you're moving from Colonial Place, check out Lakeview in the Chicago area for a residential area with tree-lined streets & lake access
• Do you enjoy Larchmont-Edgewater's upscale neighborhood with parks & boutique shopping? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from East Beach to Edgewater and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: lakeside locale with beaches & park trails
• Downtown & Loop are both known for their central business district with high-rises & public transit
• Norfolk's Huntersville neighborhood & Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood both have a cultural heritage with historic landmarks

Pros and Cons of Moving from Norfolk to Chicago

ConsNorfolk, VA

• Smaller city vibe
• Less diverse cuisines
• Fewer cultural venues
• Less public transportation
• Warmer winters

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, vibrant city
• World-class dining
• Richer cultural scene
• Extensive public transit
• Colder, snowy winters

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Chicago, IL

• No nearby beach
• Higher cost of living
• More impersonal
• Heavier traffic
• Harsh winters

Norfolk, VA

• Proximity to the beach
• Lower cost of living
• Smaller community feel
• Less traffic congestion
• Milder winters

Pros of moving from Norfolk to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to a larger, vibrant city
• Look forward to moving away from less diverse cuisines and moving to Chicago with world-class dining
• Swap the fewer cultural venues of Norfolk for a richer cultural scene in Chicago
• Get ready for extensive public transit in Chicago

Cons of moving from Norfolk to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from proximity to the beach in Norfolk to live with no nearby beach 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 a smaller community feel and get used to a more impersonal environment in Chicago
• Swap less traffic congestion for heavier traffic

Norfolk vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Norfolk to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs of Norfolk for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Norfolk rave about their flavorful Virginia Ham and sumptuous Oyster Po'boy, 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 Tempeh Reuben 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 Norfolk eateries like Todd Jurman's Seafood, The Flavors of India, and Norfolk Seafood Co. 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 Norfolk. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved The Codex, Omar's Carriage House, and Grain in Norfolk, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Gilt Bar, and The J. Parker in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Norfolk hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Chartreuse Bistro, head to Girl & The Goat on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Norfolk and Chicago

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Norfolk is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Norfolk's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and proximity to the naval base, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transportation and lake views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Norfolk.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Norfolk.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Norfolk.
• Chicago housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Norfolk, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Norfolk’s $292,580.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 45% increase in Norfolk.
• Rent in Chicago is 37.87% more expensive than in Norfolk.

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 Norfolk and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Norfolk to Chicago. Chicago gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Norfolk.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Norfolk.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in Norfolk, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 4 degrees colder than in Norfolk.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Norfolk.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Norfolk.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Norfolk and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 14% more than in Norfolk
• The COLI in Chicago will be 21% higher than what you are used to living in Norfolk
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.75 in VA
• The affluence in Chicago is varied compared to modest affluence in Norfolk
• The poverty level is significant in Chicago compared to notable poverty in Norfolk
• In terms of homelessness, it is a concern in Norfolk and a major issue in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Norfolk vs. Chicago

• Norfolk 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 predominantly Christian with very diverse religious communities
• Norfolk's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with diverse religious communities

Norfolk vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 46% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Norfolk commute. That's 5720 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Norfolk.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.