Best Chicago to St. Petersburg Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Windy City to the Sunshine City isn't just a relocation; it's an inspiring adventure, offering a fresh start and a sunny lifestyle change. Swapping Chicago's towering skyscrapers and bustling streets for St. Petersburg's sandy beaches and vibrant arts scene might seem like leaving behind one iconic world for another, yet both cities boast a rich tapestry of food, neighborhoods, and culture to explore. In embarking on this long journey, selecting trusted and reliable professional movers becomes crucial, ensuring your belongings safely navigate the miles from your old home to your new horizon with ease. With our unbiased ranking algorithm, we take the guesswork out of finding the best movers, making your transition as smooth as possible.
Best Chicago to St. Petersburg Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from St. Petersburg to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to St. Petersburg Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
This listing has been claimed by H2H Movers IncAbout H2H Movers Inc
Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
About 123 Moving Florida LLC
123 Moving Florida LLC is a moving company based in Florida, providing a range of moving services at various prices. They offer 1 mover wit...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving
- Hourly moving
- Small moving
About Let's Get Moving
This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida moving ...Read More >>
Services
- Commercial moving services
- Residential moving services
- Local moving services
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be an overwhelming experience, but understanding your new locale through the lens of your current city can ease the transition. This guide offers a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & St. Petersburg, FL , focusing on matching the vibes, amenities, and community spirit to help you feel right at home from day one.
| Chicago | St. Petersburg | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Old Northeast | Historic homes, community feel |
| Wicker Park | Grand Central District | Artsy, vibrant nightlife |
| The Loop | Downtown St. Petersburg | Urban core, cultural hub |
| Hyde Park | Kenadee Lake Park | Intellectual vibe, historic |
| Gold Coast | Snell Isle | Luxurious, waterfront properties |
| Lakeview | Crescent Heights | Lively, community-focused |
| Logan Square | Roser Park | Historic, green spaces |
| River North | Edge District | Trendy, upscale shopping |
| Andersonville | Historic Kenwood | Quaint, rich culture |
| South Loop | Euclid-St Paul | Family-friendly, historic charm |
Chicago's diverse neighborhoods offer a tapestry of cultural, architectural, and community-focused experiences. For instance, if you're enamored by the lush parks and zoo in Lincoln Park, you'll find similar green space and community appeal in St. Petersburg's Old Northeast. This neighborhood is known for its historic homes and proximity to downtown, providing a seamless blend of tranquility and urban convenience. Wicker Park's dynamic arts scene and bustling nightlife find a counterpart in the Grand Central District, where galleries, boutiques, and craft breweries line the streets. Meanwhile, the architectural grandeur and upscale shopping of the Gold Coast are mirrored in Snell Isle, featuring waterfront properties and exclusive golf courses. Transitioning from one city to another doesn't mean leaving behind what you love about your current neighborhood; it's about discovering a new place with similar charms and possibilities.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to St. Petersburg
Moving cities is a significant life decision that requires a balance of understanding both the positives and negatives of the relocation. This side-by-side comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to St. Petersburg, FL . By examining the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice about your upcoming adventure.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Higher crime rate
St. Petersburg, FL- Milder winters
- More affordable
- Less congestion
- Lower crime rate
St. Petersburg, FL- Slower pace
- More limited options
- Fewer landmarks
- Car dependent
Chicago, IL- Vibrant city life
- Diverse cuisine
- Cultural landmarks
- Extensive public transit
Moving from Chicago to St. Petersburg presents the opportunity for a life amidst milder winters and potentially a more relaxed pace. While you might miss the constant buzz and the diverse, world-class cuisine found in neighborhoods like the West Loop in Chicago, St. Petersburg offers its unique charm with gems such as the Dali Museum and the vibrant St. Pete Pier. Enjoying the outdoors becomes a year-round activity, with places like Fort De Soto Park offering beautiful scenery and the chance to explore nature. Even though St. Petersburg presents a smaller city vibe, its rapidly growing food scene, exemplified by spots like Bavaro's Pizza and eateries along Central Avenue, promises an up-and-coming variety for food lovers.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago, IL & St. Petersburg, FL. Understanding the food scene is vital as it's a significant part of local culture and living experience. This comparison aims to give you a better insight into what culinary delights await in your new city.
| Chicago | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Grouper sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Cuban sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Hot dog | Empanadas |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan dishes | J ackfruit tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Chicago is renowned for its hearty deep-dish pizzas and iconic Italian beef, St. Petersburg offers a lighter, coastal cuisine with specialties like the grouper sandwich. A wander through the streets of Chicago might tempt you with classic hot dogs, whereas in St. Petersburg, the vibrant flavors of empanadas are a popular choice. Vegan options abound in both cities, with seitan dishes popular in Chicago and jackfruit tacos a hit in St. Petersburg. Should you crave an immersive dining experience, Chicago's Alinea offers a cutting-edge gastronomy adventure, whereas St. Petersburg’s Birch & Vine provides an intimate setting with locally sourced ingredients. If health and fitness are your priority, you'll find both cities accommodating, but with its outdoor lifestyle, St. Petersburg slightly edges out. Food trucks, an essential element of urban culinary exploration, are more abundant in St. Petersburg, reflecting its vibrant street food scene. Both cities cater well to food enthusiasts and vegans, offering a variety of choices to satisfy all palates.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Restaurant Comparison
When relocating from Chicago, IL to St. Petersburg, FL, discovering new favorite dining spots can transform a new city into home. This restaurant comparison will assist in seamlessly transitioning your palate by aligning Chicago culinary delights with their St. Petersburg counterparts.
| Chicago | St. Petersburg | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | IL Ritorno | An intimate setting offering modern Italian dishes, comparable to Alinea's high-end dining experience. |
| Giordano's | Joey Brooklyn's Famous Pizza Kitchen | Known for their deep-dish pizzas that rival the taste and comfort of Giordano's. |
| Girl & The Goat | The Mill Restaurant | Features inventive New American cuisine in a rustic, yet trendy, atmosphere similar to that of Girl & The Goat. |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | Engine No. 9 | Offers a variety of gourmet burgers and hot dogs that have the same beloved Chicago vibe. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Salt Rock Grill | Seafood and steaks grilled to perfection with an ambiance that echoes the fine dining of Joe's. |
| Smoque BBQ | Urban Brew and BBQ | Serves up authentic, slow-cooked barbecue that gives Smoque BBQ a run for its money. |
| The Purple Pig | The Reading Room | Celebrates garden-to-table dishes in a cozy setting, reminiscent of The Purple Pig's approach to Mediterranean dining. |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | Red Mesa Cantina | Delivers a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors in a lively atmosphere akin to Frontera Grill. |
| Au Cheval | The Avenue Eat + Drink | Famous for their burgers, lending a casual yet gourmet experience similar to that of Au Cheval. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza | A spot that honors the traditional Chicago-style pizza, comparable to Lou Malnati's dedication to the craft. |
For discerning food lovers making the move from Chicago to St. Petersburg, the culinary journey will be filled with delightful discoveries. At IL Ritorno, you'll encounter a sophisticated Italian dining experience that mirrors Alinea's innovation and attention to detail. Craving that unmistakable Chicago-style deep dish? Joey Brooklyn's Famous Pizza Kitchen offers a taste of home with its hearty, cheese-laden pies. And when in need of a cozy evening filled with rustic elegance and innovative dishes, The Mill Restaurant steps up with a menu and ambiance that might just remind you of Girl & The Goat. These gastronomic havens in St. Petersburg not only cater to your taste buds but also offer the warm comfort of familiar yet unique dining experiences, easing your transition to this vibrant new city.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate deeply influences the quality and ease of a move. Understanding how Chicago, IL and St. Petersburg, FL compare in terms of housing—covering aspects like cost, architecture, and livability—is crucial for making an informed decision about your relocation.
| Comparison | Chicago | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Gothic | Spanish and Mediterranean |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to public transport | Waterfront, outdoor living space |
When comparing real estate in Chicago and St. Petersburg, you'll find nuanced differences that may influence your decision. For instance, while the median home prices are quite close, the prevalent architectural styles diverge, with Chicago favoring more modern and gothic influences versus St. Petersburg's preference for Spanish and Mediterranean designs. This could significantly impact your lifestyle, as the latter often features open, outdoor living spaces—ideal for Florida's warmer climate. Furthermore, Chicago's higher walkability and biking scores reflect its dense urban environment, providing easier access to amenities and work centers without relying heavily on personal vehicles. On the other hand, St. Petersburg offers a more laid-back urban lifestyle, with housing attributes highlighting waterfront properties and the importance of outdoor areas, underlining the city's use of its natural surroundings to enhance residents' living experience.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to St. Petersburg, FL, understanding the weather differences between these cities is crucial. This comparison highlights how your life will change in terms of weather experiences and prepares you for the climate adjustments you'll need to make. Let this guide help set your expectations for your new home.
Chicago, IL
St. Petersburg, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
St. Petersburg, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
St. Petersburg, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
St. Petersburg, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing Chicago to St. Petersburg presents a tale of two climates. You'll bid goodbye to the harsh winters of Chicago, where snowy days and frigid temperatures dominate, and welcome the warm, sunny days of St. Petersburg. While Chicago offers a distinct four-season experience, St. Petersburg ensures more stable, year-round warmth but comes with its own set of challenges, such as the higher likelihood of hurricanes and thunderstorms. Additionally, the drastic increase in sunshine days in St. Petersburg can be a significant lifestyle change, promoting more outdoor activities and potentially affecting your daily health routines, like skincare due to the higher UV index.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to St. Petersburg
Moving from one location to another necessitates a holistic view of how your financial health will align. Comparing the cost of living, tax burdens, and economic landscapes between Chicago, IL and St. Petersburg, FL is essential to smoothing your transition and optimizing your budgeting choices.
| Comparison | Chicago | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $64,141 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 97.8 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.98 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Tourism, Healthcare, Marine Sciences |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Varied |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower than Chicago |
Moving from Chicago, IL to St. Petersburg, FL, you'll notice significant financial changes beyond just the weather. Firstly, the absence of a state income tax in Florida provides a direct boost to your disposable income, a welcome change from Illinois's flat rate of 4.95%. Moreover, the cost of living in St. Petersburg is slightly lower, providing further financial relief. However, it's crucial to consider the average household income is also lower in St. Petersburg, which could offset some of the other financial benefits. Additionally, differences in sales and property taxes between the two cities can substantially affect your long-term financial planning, especially for homeowners. Furthermore, shifting from industries like finance and IT in Chicago to tourism and healthcare in St. Petersburg may necessitate career adjustments or opportunities for some.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Chicago & St. Petersburg , focusing on the political and religious makeup of the residents. It's designed to help you understand the differences in community values and beliefs as you make your move.
| Chicago | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mostly Democratic | Mix of Democratic and Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Centrist, with a mix of liberal and conservative policies |
| Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence Archdiocese of Chicago | Diverse, strong Protestant and non-denominational Christian presence City of St. Petersburg |
In Chicago, you'll find a city with a strong Democratic lean, known for its progressive stance on various issues. The religious landscape is quite diverse, with a significant number of residents identifying as Catholic, reflected in the presence of the Archdiocese of Chicago. On the other hand, St. Petersburg presents a more politically mixed environment, balancing Democratic and Republican influences. The local politics tend toward centrist views, though it's a city where both liberal and conservative policies find a place. The religious makeup shifts slightly towards Protestant and non-denominational Christian communities, indicative of the broader religious diversity in Florida. Overall, this reflects the unique cultural and societal values that define each city.
Chicago vs. St. Petersburg Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This section aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like by comparing traffic and transportation options between Chicago & St. Petersburg. The differences between these two cities can impact your daily routine significantly.
| Comparison | Chicago | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with challenges | No, not easily |
In Chicago, the comprehensive public transit system, including buses and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), makes it feasible for many residents to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. However, traffic congestion can add significant time to your commute. On the other hand, St. Petersburg, with its more relaxed pace and lower traffic congestion, might seem easier to navigate, but the lack of extensive public transit options means relying on a car is more of a necessity. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning your daily commute and deciding whether to bring or buy a car after your move.
Popular Chicago, IL to Florida Moving Routes
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