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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Chicago and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Chicago before you move.

Moving Help for Your Chicago, IL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Chicago move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Chicago, IL Piano Movers Chicago, IL Cheap Movers Chicago, IL Small Movers Chicago, IL Apartment Movers Chicago, IL Long Distance Movers Chicago, IL

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chicago, IL

Considering a move to Chicago, IL? This welcoming community of 2,746,388 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $318,000 and average rents near $1,350. 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 (54% 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 2,746,388 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, 29% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 37% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,746,388
Density
12,000 per sq mi
Median Age
35.2
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
36.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
33.1%
Black
28.7%
Asian
6.9%
Others
31.3%

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 107.5. Median home values are around $318,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$318,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$105
Auto Insurance
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$700
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 7.99%
Cost Of Living Index
107.5
Grocery
104.2
Housing
98.6
Utilities
94.5
Transportation
116.1
Health Care
100.2
Miscellaneous
104.0

Crime

Is Chicago, IL a safe place to live?

Chicago is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 943 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 31. 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
943
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,263
Crime Index
4,206
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 106
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 31

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 19°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $65,781 and a low poverty rate of 17.2%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% 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
$37,000
Household Income
$65,781
Family Income
$76,200
Per Capita Income
$38,625
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$36,000
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Non English Speakers
36.5%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
Public Transport Usage
27.4%
Commute Time
34.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.4%
Bachelors or More
41.1%

Education

How are the schools in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers quality education options, with public schools like Walter Payton College Preparatory High School and Jones College Prep High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University. 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
19.4
Name
Jones College Prep High School
Street
700 S State St
Phone
773-534-8600
Students
1,930
Student Teacher Ratio
18.2

Private Schools

Name
Francis W. Parker School
Street
330 W Webster Ave
Phone
773-353-3000
Students
935

Colleges

Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
City
Chicago
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
34,000
Name
DePaul University
City
Chicago
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
22,000

Healthcare

Chicago residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 90.1% 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 & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Rush University Medical Center
Address
1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone
(312) 942-5000
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
90.1%
Health Care Index
78.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Chicago, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $318,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.2%. Chicago offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$318,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
44.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Chicago handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Drivers Services, conveniently located in Chicago. 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 - Drivers Services
Address
100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
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 2,746,388, median home value $318,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 34.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Chicago, IL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes