Illinois / Cook County

Moving to Chicago, IL

Thinking of making a move to Chicago, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chicago, IL

Considering a move to Chicago, IL? This welcoming community of 2,665,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $2,250. Commute times average 35 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Chicago's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Chicago, IL

Chicago has a population of 2,665,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 33% White, 30% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 34% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,665,000
Density
12,100 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
33.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
32.5%
Black
29.6%
Asian
6.8%
Others
31.1%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Chicago, IL?

The cost of living in Chicago is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 114.8. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
114.8
Grocery
104.5
Housing
123.6
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
108.9
Health Care
102.8
Miscellaneous
101.4

Crime

Is Chicago, IL a safe place to live?

Chicago is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 910 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
910
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,760
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 110
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Chicago, IL year-round?

Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $72,200 and a low poverty rate of 16.2%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 35 minutes, and almost 27% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,500
Household Income
$72,200
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$41,900
Income Male
$45,500
Income Female
$38,900
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Non English Speakers
35.0%
Rent
$1,980
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
27.4%
Commute Time
35.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.9%
Bachelors or More
39.8%

Education

How are the schools in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers quality education options, with public schools like Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Jones College Prep known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Street
1034 N Wells St
Phone
773-534-0034
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Northside College Preparatory High School
Street
5501 N Kedzie Ave
Phone
773-534-3954
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Jones College Prep
Street
700 S State St
Phone
773-534-8600
Students
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio
17.8

Private Schools

Name
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Street
1076 W Roosevelt Rd
Phone
312-421-5900
Students
1,350
Name
Latin School of Chicago
Street
59 W North Blvd
Phone
312-582-6000
Students
1,180

Colleges

Name
University of Illinois Chicago
City
Chicago
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
34,000
Name
DePaul University
City
Chicago
State
IL
Distance
2 miles
Students
22,000
Name
Northwestern University
City
Evanston
State
IL
Distance
13 miles
Students
23,000
Name
Loyola University Chicago
City
Chicago
State
IL
Distance
6 miles
Students
17,000

Healthcare

Chicago residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medicine nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Address
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone
(312) 926-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Rush University Medical Center
Address
1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone
(312) 942-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
University of Chicago Medicine
Address
5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone
(773) 702-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
81.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chicago, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Chicago offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate
44.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Chicago handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone
1-800-252-8980

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Chicago, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Chicago, review the core fields on this page: population 2,665,000, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,250, commute time 35.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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