Dallas Moving Blog

Moving from Dallas to Chicago

February 17, 2025

Moving from Dallas to Chicago typically costs between $624 and $5,900 and takes two to seven days. The exact cost and timing depend on three main factors: how much stuff you’re moving, when you plan to move, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.

Professional movers cost more but handle everything for you, making the 926-mile journey less stressful. If you’re looking to save money, you can rent a moving truck or container – though you’ll need to pack, load, and unload everything yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Dallas to Chicago?

On average, Dallas movers charge around $60 per hour. Below is an estimate of costs based on the type of service you choose:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,131 – $4,251	$782 – $1,921	$573 – $1,198
2 – 3 Bedrooms	$2,483 – $5,900	$1,404 – $2,755	$624 – $1,383
4+ Bedrooms	$3,810 – $7,721	$1,890 – $3,504	$825 – $1,697

These price ranges are just rough estimates based on 926 miles and past averages. The final cost of your move can vary depending on factors like the size of your move, any extra services you need, parking access for the truck, market conditions, and availability.

Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Dallas to Chicago

Several factors influence the cost of moving from Dallas to Chicago:

Move Size: The cost depends on how much stuff you’re moving. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment might cost around $1,131, while a four-bedroom house can go up to $6,706.
Time of Year: Summer is the busiest time for moving in Dallas, so moving companies often charge higher rates during this peak season.
DIY vs. Professional Movers: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper, with truck rentals ranging from $573 to $1,450. However, these options require more effort compared to hiring professional movers who handle everything for you.

Pros & Cons of Moving from Dallas to Chicago

Cost of living between Dallas & Chicago

Category	Dallas	Chicago
Average Rent Cost	$1,755	$1,595
Average Home Value	$304,813	$306,098
Average Income (Per Capita)	$66,248	$65,601
Cost of Living (Single Person)	$936	$1,001
Cost of Living (Family of 4)	$3,334	$3,584
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	9.0%
Sales Tax	8.25%	10.25%
State Income Tax	0.0%	4.95%

Rent Prices: Rent in Chicago is about 9% cheaper than in Dallas.
Home Prices: Home prices are roughly the same in both cities.
Income: Average incomes in Chicago and Dallas are nearly identical.
Living Costs for a Single Person: It costs 6.9% more to live in Chicago than in Dallas.
Living Costs for a Family: Families in Chicago spend 7.5% more than those in Dallas.
Unemployment Rate: Chicago’s unemployment rate is 150% higher than Dallas’s.
Sales Tax: Chicago’s sales tax is 24.24% higher than Dallas’s.
State Income Tax: Chicago has a 4.95% higher state income tax, while Dallas has no state income tax.

To maintain the same lifestyle, you would need about $3,208.33 in Chicago compared to $3,000 in Dallas.

Life in Dallas vs. Chicago – A Comparison

Here’s a simple breakdown of how life differs between Chicago and Dallas:

Category	Chicago	Dallas
Population	2,746,388	1,304,379
Transportation Score	9	6
Walkability Score	77	46
Bike Friendliness Score	72	49
Crime Index	35.19	45.35
Safety Index	33.87	49.82
Air Quality	Good	Good

Population: Chicago’s population is about 111% larger than Dallas’s.
Public Transportation: Chicago scores 9 out of 10 for public transportation, while Dallas has a lower score of 6.
Walkability: Chicago is more walkable, with a score of 77 out of 100 compared to Dallas’s 46.
Bike Friendliness: Chicago is also more bike-friendly, scoring 72 out of 100, while Dallas scores 49.
Crime Rate: Chicago has a lower crime rate than Dallas. Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of U.S. neighborhoods, while Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 45.35%.
Safety: Dallas is considered safer than Chicago, with a safety score of 49.82 compared to Chicago’s 33.87.
Air Quality: Both cities have good air quality.

This gives a clear picture of how the two cities differ in lifestyle factors.

Things to Keep in Mind When Moving to Chicago

Weather: While Chicago gets less snow than other parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes region, heavy snow in winter can still impact your move. Plan accordingly if you’re moving during colder months.
Neighborhood Rules: Check if your new community or neighborhood has specific rules about moving to avoid any surprises.
Elevator Use: If your building has an elevator, find out how to reserve it for moving day.
Truck Parking Permits: Some areas require permits for large moving trucks. Look into this ahead of time to avoid issues on moving day.
Licensing for Movers: In Illinois, moving companies handling in-state or local moves must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Ensure your chosen movers have this license and that it’s up-to-date.
License Verification: You can check a moving company’s license status with Illinois’s public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Illinois doesn’t require special moving permits, but it’s wise to check local parking rules before your move.
Change of Address: Submit your change of address form to USPS at least a week before moving. You can set the date for mail forwarding to ensure everything reaches your new home in Chicago.
Insurance for Your Move: Moving companies must provide basic insurance, known as Released Value Protection which covers 60 cents per pound per item. If you need full-value coverage, ask your moving company for options or consider buying insurance from a third-party provider.
Moving Checklist: Use a checklist to stay organized and make sure you’ve covered everything for a smooth move.

Planning ahead and being aware of these considerations can help make your move to Chicago stress-free.

Best Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago

If you’re planning to move to “Chi-Town,” here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider:

Best Neighborhoods for Singles

Lake View: A lively area with lots of entertainment options and great nightlife.
Lincoln Park: Offers a mix of outdoor spaces, trendy cafes and a young, vibrant atmosphere.
The Loop: Perfect for those who enjoy living close to downtown and having easy access to work or entertainment.
Near North Side: Known for upscale living, shopping and dining experiences.
West Town: A trendy neighborhood with a growing arts and dining scene.

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Beverly: A peaceful area with a strong sense of community and great schools.
Edison Park: Known for its family-friendly vibe and excellent schools.
Lincoln Park: Offers family-friendly activities, parks and great schools.
North Center: A quiet neighborhood with a suburban feel and plenty of family amenities.
West Loop: A mix of family-friendly parks, dining options and modern housing.

These neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Things to Do in Chicago

Here are some of the best activities and places to explore in your new home in Illinois:

Millennium Park, Crown Fountain & The Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”): Iconic landmarks perfect for photos and outdoor enjoyment.
Navy Pier: A popular spot for dining, rides and lakefront views.
Art Institute of Chicago: World-famous museum with incredible art collections.
Buckingham Fountain: A stunning fountain located in Grant Park.
Chicago Riverwalk & Lakefront Trail: Scenic spots for walking, biking or just relaxing by the water.
360 Chicago & John Hancock Center: Experience breathtaking views of the city.
Museum of Science & Industry: A must-visit for interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.
Lincoln Park Zoo: A family-friendly zoo with free admission.
Field Museum: Known for its amazing dinosaur exhibits, including Sue the T. Rex.
The Magnificent Mile: Chicago’s premier shopping and dining district.
Willis Tower SkyDeck: Stand on the glass ledge and take in views of the city.
Garfield Park Conservatory: A beautiful indoor garden with plants from around the world.
Chicago Cultural Center: A hub for free art exhibits and performances.
Wrigley Field: Watch a Cubs game or tour this historic ballpark.
Chicago Pizza Tours: Explore the city while tasting its famous deep-dish pizza.
Oz Park: A charming park inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.”
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise: Learn about the city’s iconic buildings while cruising the river.
Maggie Daley Park: A fun place with playgrounds and activities for all ages.
Woolly Mammoth Antiques & Oddities: A quirky shop filled with unique treasures.
Shedd Aquarium: Explore marine life from around the world.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Perfect for modern art lovers.
Green Mill Jazz Club: Enjoy live jazz music in a historic setting.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum: Step back in time with this beautifully preserved mansion.
The Chicago Theatre: Catch a show at this iconic venue.
The Second City: Famous for comedy performances and improve shows.

Get your sports on!

Chicago is a fantastic city for sports fans! Here are the local teams you can cheer for:

Chicago Bears (NFL): Support the city’s football team at Soldier Field.
Chicago Cubs (MLB): Catch a baseball game at the historic Wrigley Field.
Chicago White Sox (MLB): Another great baseball team playing on the South Side.
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL): Root for the city’s hockey team at the United Center.
Chicago Bulls (NBA): Watch basketball legends in action, also at the United Center.
Chicago Fire (MLS): Enjoy soccer games at Soldier Field.
Chicago Sky (WNBA): Celebrate women’s basketball with this incredible team.

FAQ

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost from Dallas to Chicago?

The cost of hiring professional movers for a move from Dallas to Chicago depends on the size of your home:

Studio or One-Bedroom Home, Costs range between $1,131 & $4,251.
Two- to Three-Bedroom Home, Expect to pay between $2,483 & $5,900.
Four-Bedroom or Larger Home, Costs range from $3,810 to $7,721.

How Much Do Moving Containers Cost from Dallas to Chicago?

The cost of using moving containers for a move from Dallas to Chicago depends on the size of your home:

Studio or One-Bedroom Home, Costs range from $782 to $1,921.
Two- to Three-Bedroom Home, Prices typically fall between $1,404 & $2,755.
Larger Home, Expect costs between $1,890 & $3,504.

These prices may vary based on specific needs and additional services.

How Much Does a Moving Truck Cost from Dallas to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is often the most affordable option, but you’ll need to handle all the driving and labor yourself. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment, Around $573 to $1,198.
Larger Moves (Two to Three Bedrooms), Between $624 & $1,383.
Four-Bedroom or Bigger Homes, Costs range from $825 to $1,697.

These estimates also account for fuel costs.

When is the best time to move from Dallas to Chicago?

Spring and fall are the best times to move because the weather is milder and you can avoid the higher costs of peak moving season in Dallas.

When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Chicago?

Winter is usually the cheapest time to move since fewer people are moving during this season. Many movers offer discounts during this time.

How long does it take to move from Dallas to Chicago?

The 926-mile journey from Dallas to Chicago typically takes 2 to 7 days. If you’re in a rush, some movers offer expedited services. For extra flexibility, ask about storage options in Chicago.