Are you ready to say goodbye to The Hub and welcome new opportunities in the Windy City? Whether you’re in search of more affordable housing or job opportunities, you’ll find plenty to love after moving from Boston to Chicago. The Windy City is one of the top destinations for people leaving Boston thanks to the similarities between the two cities.
While your big move is certainly exciting, you may also feel overwhelmed by the logistics and what to expect. Here’s everything you want to know including what living in Chicago is like and what a professional Boston to Chicago moving company can do to make your relocation seamless and worry-free.
Table of Contents
What Is Moving to Chicago Like?
When you compare Boston versus Chicago, you’ll find the cities actually have a lot in common. Both cities are exciting urban metropolises with great public transportation and some of the country’s top cultural attractions. They’re also both on the shore – Chicago has 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline while Boston is right on the ocean. (Of course, there’s really no comparison with fresh seafood, whale watching, and crisp ocean breezes!)
View this post on Instagram
Another similarity of living in Chicago compared to Boston? Both cities have strongly defined neighborhoods that feel like their own small cities with different personalities.
Of course, there are some adjustments you’ll need to make. There are some downsides to living in Chicago – but there are also some advantages Chicago has over Boston!
The biggest difference you’ll notice right away – and it may even be a major reason behind your move – is the difference in the cost of living. The Boston cost of living is notorious with high utilities, food prices, and, most of all, expensive housing. Chicago is about 30% more affordable than Boston. You’ll find your money goes further, whether it’s spent on rent, utilities, or entertainment.
The trade-off is the higher crime rate in Chicago. While the Windy City has made great strides in reducing violent crime, it simply can’t be compared to the low Boston crime rate. Boston is one of the safest cities in the U.S. whereas a downside of living in Chicago is it’s one of America’s most dangerous cities.
Another major adjustment to make is the weather. The Boston climate is much more comfortable with winters that are shorter and warmer than Chicago. Extremely harsh, long winters are one of the hardest things about living in Chicago and a common reason for people to leave the city. The Windy City has experienced temperatures of -20 degrees or even colder with winds that have been so intense that ropes have been hung down State Street to help people stay upright! Chicago is usually about 10 degrees colder than Boston during the winter but, with the wind, it feels much colder – and winters last much longer.
View this post on Instagram
Of course, there’s plenty you’ll love after moving to Chicago from Boston. You probably already use the MBTA extensively and, while the Boston public transportation system is one of the best in the country, Chicago also ranks well. In fact, Chicago’s CTA has somewhat better coverage than the MBTA and it’s a bit more reliable.
Chicago may not be as walkable as Boston, but it has more to offer. You’ll actually feel like you’re living in a big city, not a large town, with more exciting nightlife options, entertainment, shopping, and dining always around the corner.
One thing you’ll definitely miss is the opportunities for outdoor recreation and weekend getaways while living in Chicago. Boston may not be the largest city, but it’s in the heart of New England with the ocean, skiing, and other exciting cities like Providence at your disposal. Chicago has a great urban core but it’s surrounded by residential suburbs and, beyond them, a lot of nothing.
Top Benefits of Moving from Boston to Chicago
What’s prompting you to move from Boston to Chicago, Illinois? There are many perks of living in Chicago that may be swaying you to make this big transition.
You may be relocating for a lower cost of living and more affordable housing. It’s no secret that buying a house in Boston can seem like an impossible dream with a median home price of $768,000. By comparison, the median home price in Chicago is $317,000, less than half what you’d pay in Boston and still a bit below the U.S. median of $350,000. As a renter, you’ll pay average apartment rent of $2,060 in Chicago vs Boston average rent of $3,500 according to RentCafe.
Employment is another major driver behind long-distance moves. You may already have a job offer or leads in the Windy City, or you’re looking for job opportunities that are hard to come by in Boston. While Boston’s main industries are healthcare, hospitality, and leisure, with a large and growing tech industry, Chicago’s job market is diverse. Chicago has one of the world’s most diversified economies and a reputation for finance and insurance.
These are only some of the reasons you may be ready to make a move. You may be moving to Chicago from Boston to be closer to family, or you may be enrolling at the University of Illinois Chicago or the University of Chicago. With great public transportation, a strong economy, and a low cost of living that gives you exciting city life without the high costs of Boston, you’ll fall in love with your new hometown!
View this post on Instagram
Boston to Chicago Movers
Moving is more stressful, physically demanding, and exhausting than you may think. With a long-distance move, it becomes even more complicated, especially if you need temporary storage or you’re moving into an apartment building. You already have enough on your plate as you plan a move from New England to the Midwest: count on a professional Boston to Chicago moving company to handle the logistics, heavy lifting, and hard work.
Here’s what dependable movers can do to make your long-distance relocation as easy as possible.
- Protect your home from damage during the move with door jamb protectors, special mats, and more
- Professionally pack all or some of your belongings with high-quality materials and special techniques that minimize the risk of damage
- A move coordinator will oversee your relocation and ensure everything goes according to plan without delays or obstacles
- Storage at your origin or destination reduces stress and avoids the need to move twice if your new home isn’t ready, you’re downsizing, or you aren’t sure what you’re moving into your new house
- Belongings can be unpacked and furniture can be assembled and even arranged so you can be excited to move in, not dreading more work
- Your belongings are transported in a dedicated truck by licensed professionals so you can avoid 15+ hours on the road in a large vehicle
The bottom line? Less stress and worry, no heavy lifting, and no surprises or problems – just a seamless experience with experts handling all the details.
Why Mass Bay Movers Is the Best Boston to Chicago Moving Company
As you prepare for a long-distance move, it pays to do your homework and choose a relocation company you can trust. You don’t have to compromise on quality and dependability to find affordable movers, either. To ensure your belongings and home are treated with respect and care, and the proper techniques and equipment are used, we recommend looking for the following in reliable Boston to Chicago moving companies.
- Licensed and insured for your protection in case of damage
- Proven track record in the industry
- Low claims rate
- Good safety record
- Positive online reviews
- Movers who are uniformed, trained, and background checked
- Experience with Boston to Chicago moves like yours
- Services you need
Mass Bay Movers has proudly served the Boston area with dependable local and long-distance moving services since 2015. Our 30+ background checked team members complete more than 1,000 relocations every year and we’ve earned hundreds of positive reviews on Facebook and Google. We have built a reputation for excellent customer service, integrity, and professionalism that has made us your top choice for Boston to Chicago movers you can count on.
Boston to Chicago Distance & Travel Info
By hiring professional Boston to Chicago movers, you can skip the stress of moving day and a long drive in a large commercial truck. Once your belongings are loaded, licensed movers will transport them to your new home and unload everything. The only thing left for you to do is get yourself and the family to Chicago!
If you’re thinking about driving, be prepared for a long couple of days. The distance from Boston to Chicago is 982 miles or about 15 hours along I-90.
Both cities support a car-free lifestyle. Moving without a car? Your best bet may be flying. Several airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and United offer nonstop service from Boston (BOS) to Chicago (ORD). You can even take the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train from Boston to Chicago. The route takes you past the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, mountains, and rivers. You can leave from the Back Bay Station (BBY) or the South Station (BOS) and enjoy the comfort of a Viewliner Sleeper or Business class.
Ready to enjoy more affordable living on Lake Michigan? Call the 5-star Boston movers at Mass Bay Movers today for a free estimate for your long-distance move!
