Moving to Chicago, IL
Thinking about moving to Chicago, IL? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 106 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $2,050/month, summers average 59°F, and Illinois has a top income tax rate of 4.95%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Chicago.
- Cost of living
- 106
- Typical 2BR rent
- $2,050/mo
- Avg summer high
- 59°F
- Avg winter low
- 42°F
Cost of living in Chicago
Chicago's cost-of-living index is 106 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $2,050 per month. Illinois levies a top income tax rate of 4.95% and an average combined sales tax of 8.86%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.
Climate and best time to move
Expect average summer highs near 59°F, winter lows around 42°F, and about 38 inches of precipitation a year in Chicago. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.
Setting up utilities in Chicago
Line up your utilities before move day. In the Chicago–Naperville area that typically means ComEd, Peoples Gas, City of Chicago Water. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.
Licensed movers in Illinois
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Compare the 8 top-rated long-distance movers
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- Rank 1 of 8.Global Elegance Moving and LogisticsLong-distance & cross-country movesUSDOT 4355323MC-1703504Boca Raton, FL
- Rank 2 of 8.TapMoveLicensed modern long-distance movesUSDOT 4445013MC-1750835Sacramento, CA
- Rank 3 of 8.LoadRansWest-origin long-distance movesUSDOT 3729978MC-1348724Vernon, CA
- Rank 4 of 8.Bristol Moving and StorageRegional & NJ-origin movesUSDOT 4149046MC-1592376Spotswood, NJ
- Rank 5 of 8.Hudson Van LinesMid-Atlantic origin long-haulsUSDOT 4564691MC-1814851Randolph, NJ
- Rank 6 of 8.Royal Van LinesLicensed long-distance movesUSDOT 4179767MC-1673925West Milford, NJ
- Rank 7 of 8.Pacific Moving and StorageWest Coast departuresUSDOT 3933678MC-1458755Ladera Ranch, CA
- Rank 8 of 8.Apex Van LinesPacific Northwest originsUSDOT 4479645MC-1769076Kirkland, WA
8 Top Movers is an advertising-supported comparison service. Its ranking reflects editorial judgment, not a measured rating, and featured or network partners may compensate it when you request quotes, which can influence placement. We operate both this site and that one. Carrier records and cost data published here are independent of those commercial relationships.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Chicago expensive to live in?
- Chicago has a cost-of-living index of 106 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $2,050/month.
- What's the weather like in Chicago?
- Summer highs average 59°F, winter lows about 42°F, with roughly 38 inches of annual precipitation.
- When is the best time to move to Chicago?
- Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.
Moving to Chicago?
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Sources
- MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
- NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
- Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15