Best Richmond to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Richmond to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 808 miles from Richmond, 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 Richmond. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Richmond 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 Richmond to Chicago moving option

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

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Richmond 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 Richmond and Chicago areas.

From these 46 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,418 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 46 companies and 239 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 20,201 Richmond 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 Richmond 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.

8.35/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 20,120 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.09/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 7,411 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.54/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 4,363 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.41/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 7,370 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.16/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 3,806 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.63/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 10,424 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.93/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 9,859 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.09/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 18,900 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.27/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 10,942 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.96/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 2,436 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.92/10 avg (Richmond & Chicago combined) from 9,882 reviews

From Richmond to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• The Fan in Richmond & Lincoln Park in Chicago are both known for their historic rowhouses & tree-lined streets
• Richmond's Scott's Addition neighborhood & Chicago's West Loop both share industrial conversions & nightlife
• If you're moving from Carytown, check out Wicker Park in the Chicago area for the eclectic boutiques & dining scene
• Do you enjoy Church Hill's historic homes & hillside views? You're sure to love Hyde Park
• Move from Museum District to South Loop and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: museums & cultural institutions
• Shockoe Bottom & River North are both known for their riverfront warehouses & nightlife
• Richmond's Jackson Ward neighborhood & Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood both have African-American heritage & cultural landmarks
• If you're moving from Forest Hill, look into Beverly for the suburban feel & tree-lined residential areas
• Do you cherish living in Manchester's warehouse redevelopment & loft residences? Move into West Loop for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to Chicago

ConsRichmond, VA

• Smaller city vibe
• Less public transit options
• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• Fewer dining options

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger urban atmosphere
• Extensive public transportation
• Vibrant cultural scene
• More job opportunities
• Diverse culinary experiences

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Chicago, IL

• Overwhelming hustle
• Heavier traffic congestion
• Colder, harsher winters
• Higher living costs
• Less personal dining

Richmond, VA

• Quaint community feel
• Easier traffic navigation
• Warmer winters
• More affordable housing
• Rustic dining spots

Pros of moving from Richmond to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to larger urban atmosphere
• Look forward to moving away from less public transit options and moving to Chicago with extensive public transportation
• Swap the milder winters of Richmond for a vibrant cultural scene in Chicago
• Get ready for more job opportunities in Chicago

Cons of moving from Richmond to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the quaint community feel in Richmond to live with the overwhelming hustle in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of easier traffic navigation and have to settle with the con of heavier traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to warmer winters and get used to colder, harsher winters in Chicago
• Swap more affordable housing for higher living costs

Richmond vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Richmond to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Virginia BBQ of Richmond for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Richmond rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Hot Chicken Sandwich, 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 BBQ 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 Richmond eateries like Mama J's, Sally Bell's Kitchen, and Peter Chang. 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 Richmond. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Richmond. 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 Richmond favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved L’Opossum, Mama J’s Kitchen, and Lehja in Richmond, we're sure you'll love Everest, Virtue, and Vermilion in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Richmond hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Edo’s Squid, head to Monteverde on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Richmond and Chicago

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Richmond is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Richmond's real estate listings that commonly reference historic charm and large backyards, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Richmond.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Richmond.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Richmond.
• Chicago housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Richmond, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Richmond’s $348,593.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 50% increase in Richmond.
• Rent in Chicago is 36.90% more expensive than in Richmond.

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 Richmond and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Richmond to Chicago. Chicago gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Richmond.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Richmond.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Richmond, 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 Richmond.
• The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Richmond.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Richmond.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Richmond and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 29% more than in Richmond
• The COLI in Chicago is 12% higher than what you are used to living in Richmond
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.75 in VA
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate in Richmond
• The poverty level is high in Chicago compared to moderate in Richmond
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Richmond and significant in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Richmond vs. Chicago

• Richmond tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a strong presence of diverse faiths including Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism
• Richmond's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse faith communities

Richmond vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 36% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Richmond commute. That's 4,680 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Richmond.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.