Best Chicago to Wichita Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from the Windy City to the Air Capital of the World is not just a relocation; it’s an exciting journey into a new phase of your life. Leaving behind Chicago's towering skyscrapers and bustling streets for Wichita's sprawling prairies and warm community might feel like a culture shock, but it’s a change brimming with possibilities. Considering the distance and the life you’re packing up, it’s crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who are not just reliable, but the best at what they do. That’s where we come in, ensuring your adventure starts on the right note.
Best Chicago to Wichita Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Wichita to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Wichita 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
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company offers ...Read More >>
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
About American Movers
American Movers has been in business since 2003 and has earned an A+ rating over the decades. The company is proud to serve the city of Wich...Read More >>
Services
- Full-service pack and move
- Help with large or treasured items
- Residential and Commercial Storage Units
About It's Your Move
It’s Your Move is one of the most honest and trustworthy moving companies in Parsons, KS. It has been helping people for over five years, mo...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing 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. Wichita Neighborhood Comparison
When planning a move from Chicago, IL, to Wichita, KS, it can be invaluable to find familiar comforts in your new city. This guide compares local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Wichita, KS to help you find a new home that mirrors the vibe and amenities you loved. By drawing parallels between neighborhoods, we aim to simplify your transition and make Wichita feel like home from day one.
| Chicago | Wichita | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | College Hill | Historic homes, vibrant community |
| Wicker Park | Douglas Avenue | Eclectic shops, artsy vibe |
| Gold Coast | Eastborough | Upscale living, quiet streets |
| Loop | Downtown Wichita | Bustling business district, cultural landmarks |
| Andersonville | Riverside | Diverse community, historic charm |
| Lakeview | Delano | Lively nightlife, inclusive atmosphere |
| Logan Square | Old Town | Creative spaces, trendy restaurants |
| River North | Commerce Street | Contemporary art, upscale dining |
| Hyde Park | Crown Heights | Intellectual vibe, picturesque settings |
| South Loop | College Hill South | Modern amenities, close to nature |
If you cherish the historical and lush landscapes of Lincoln Park, you'll find a similar atmosphere in College Hill's idyllic streets, where turn-of-the-century homes and local businesses embrace community warmth. The artistic murals and bohemian flair of Wicker Park have a counterpart in Douglas Avenue’s unique boutiques and galleries, ideal for those seeking a neighborhood brimming with creative spirit. For Gold Coast's upscale residential feel, Eastborough presents a serene environment with its stately homes and meticulously maintained gardens. Meanwhile, the urban mix of commerce, entertainment, and living spaces in the Loop finds its echo in Downtown Wichita, where historic landmarks and modern renovations converge. These comparisons aim not only to match surface characteristics but to also draw attention to shared community values, lifestyle infrastructures, and cultural vibrancies, making your transition smoother and more familiar.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Wichita
Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to weigh the advantages against the drawbacks. This comparison is designed to give an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Wichita, KS . The following charts aim to illuminate this big step, discussing both what might be gained and what might be missed.
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Colder winters
- Heavy traffic
- Urban congestion
Wichita, KS- Lower cost of living
- Milder winters
- Less traffic
- More open space
Wichita, KS- Smaller cultural scene
- No large water body
- Fewer dining options
- Limited nightlife
Chicago, IL- Diverse culture
- Lake Michigan access
- Broad culinary scene
- Vibrant nightlife
Moving to Wichita from Chicago introduces you to a significant shift in lifestyle. In Wichita, the cost of living takes a favorable dip, allowing for a more comfortable life in terms of finance. Lesser traffic and more open spaces contribute to a peaceful, less hectic everyday life. However, it's important to note the trade-off in the cultural vibrancy and the wide array of dining and nightlife options that Chicago boasts. For instance, Chicago’s neighborhoods like Logan Square and The Magnificent Mile are brimming with world-renowned restaurants like Alinea, and landmarks such as Millennium Park, which are hard to find equivalents to in Wichita. Yet, Wichita holds its unique charm with places like the Riverside Park, providing a serene escape with its picturesque landscapes and wildlife. While you may miss Lake Michigan's grandeur, Wichita's commitment to green spaces and community events in areas like Old Town offers a different but equally enriching experience.
Chicago vs. Wichita Food Guide
Food plays a vital role in experiencing local culture and can greatly influence your lifestyle in a new area. In recognizing this, we're offering a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Wichita to help you understand the food scene in both cities before moving. This insight will prepare you for the culinary delights that await in your new home.
| Chicago | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | BBQ Brisket |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef Sandwich | Smoked Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Bierocks |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
If you're relocating to Wichita from Chicago, you'll find the culinary shift towards more meat-centric dishes, with BBQ taking center stage – the city is particularly known for its smoked ribs and brisket. Wichita has a growing vegan scene as well, offering delights like Jackfruit BBQ Sandwiches. Places like The Monarch cater to diverse palates, providing a glimpse into local flavors. Wichita's food truck scene, although not as abundant as Chicago's, offers unique finds like Bierocks – traditional German stuffed rolls – showcasing the city's culinary creativity. For food enthusiasts, exploring the local eateries in neighborhoods like Delano or Old Town can provide a fantastic introduction to all that Wichita has to offer.
Chicago vs. Wichita Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in familiar flavors can turn a new city into home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease your move from Chicago, IL to Wichita, KS by matching your favorite eateries to similar spots in your new locale. Whether you're craving high-end dining experiences or the simplicity of a well-made sandwich, this guide will help you discover your next favorite restaurant.
| Chicago | Wichita | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Georges French Bistro | Similar upscale, innovative dining experience |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | Hot-2-Trot Gourmet Hotdogs | Offers a range of creative hot dog options |
| Giordano's | Knolla's Pizza | Known for deep-dish pizzas that rival Chicago's best |
| Girl & The Goat | The Monarch | Both offer innovative dishes in a chic, bustling atmosphere |
| Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill | Usuluteco Restaurant | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on flavor and tradition |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar | High-quality seafood and steak in an elegant setting |
| Smoque BBQ | Bite Me BBQ | Both are acclaimed for their smoked meats and homemade sides |
| The Purple Pig | Pig In, Pig Out BBQ | Casual spot known for its outstanding pork dishes |
| Roister | The Anchor | Both establishments focus on refined, yet comforting dishes |
| Big Star | Public at the Brickyard | Offers tacos and a laid-back atmosphere similar to Big Star |
When the craving for deep-dish pizza hits, Knolla's Pizza in Wichita welcomes you with open arms and pies that pay homage to Chicago's finest - a testament to the universal love for a good, hearty pizza. Likewise, the sophisticated charm and culinary delights of George's French Bistro will remind you of the innovative dining experiences offered by Alinea, ensuring that your palate’s wanderlust is satisfied. For those seeking the comforting crackle of BBQ, Bite Me BBQ stands as Wichita's answer to Smoque BBQ, capturing the essence of American BBQ culture with each smoked meat platter served. Through this curated selection, you'll find reassurance in familiar flavors as you embark on your new life chapter in Wichita.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Wichita Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate market between Chicago, IL, and Wichita, KS is crucial in making an informed decision. This comparison will help highlight the differences in housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle .
| Comparison | Chicago | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Victorian | Ranch and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Accessibility, Lake views | Large yards, Proximity to schools |
In-depth analysis of the housing markets in Chicago and Wichita reveals significant differences. For instance, Chicago's median home price is significantly higher than that of Wichita, reflecting the former's urban density and the variety of its architectural styles, from modern high-rises to vintage Victorian homes. However, Wichita offers more affordability, with both home prices and rents considerably lower. This reflects in the type of homes commonly found there, which often include spacious yards—an indication of the city's more suburban feel. Chicago excels in walkability and supports an urban lifestyle more vigorously, with easy access to amenities and public transportation, whereas Wichita provides a quieter, car-dependent environment with a lower cost of living.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Wichita, KS
1. College Hill: This charming area is known for its walkable streets and dog-friendly parks, like the popular College Hill Park, making it a haven for pet owners.
2. Riverside: With the beautiful Riverside Park offering ample green space and trails along the Arkansas River, your pets will have plenty of room to explore and play.
3. Delano District: Known for its inclusive and community-centered vibe, Delano is home to several pet-friendly restaurants and bars, plus easy access to walking paths along the river, demonstrating its pet-friendly ethos.
Chicago vs. Wichita Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another can bring significant changes, especially in the weather. It's crucial to understand how the climate in Wichita will differ from what you're accustomed to in Chicago. This comparison aims to prepare you for your new environment.
Chicago, IL
Wichita, KS
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Wichita, KS
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Wichita, KS
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Wichita, KS
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Tornadoes, Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Chicago to Wichita, you'll find the summers to be warmer with nights that stay sultry. Winter temperatures are slightly milder in Wichita, but both cities experience cold seasons. An interesting aspect to consider is Wichita's higher number of sunny days per year, which might translate to more outdoor activities for you. Additionally, prepare for Wichita's tornado season; unlike Chicago's snowstorms, tornadoes can be sudden and more destructive. Familiarizing yourself with local emergency procedures will be beneficial.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Wichita
If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living
and financial aspects between Chicago and Wichita will compare. This understanding can significantly
influence your decision-making process and budgeting for the move.
| Comparison | Chicago | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $56,293 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 91.8 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 5.7 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.50 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Aerospace, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Notable | Lower than Chicago |
| Homelessness | Considerable | Lesser extent |
Shifting from Chicago to Wichita presents a notable change in the cost of living, with Wichita being considerably more affordable in terms of daily and housing expenses. While the average household income is lower in Wichita, the lower cost of living index and slightly lower state income tax rate mean your dollar can stretch further. However, Chicago presents opportunities in diverse industries such as finance and insurance, whereas Wichita shines with its aerospace and manufacturing sectors. These economic landscapes shape each city's affluence, poverty rates, and homelessness, impacting the living standards and opportunities available to you.
Chicago vs. Wichita Political & Religious Comparison
This quick snapshot provides an overview of the comparison of the politics between Chicago & Wichita, highlighting differences you may encounter in political and religious landscapes as you plan your move. Understanding these aspects can offer a smoother transition to your new community.
| Chicago | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratically leaning | More Republican-leaning |
| Local Politics | Focus on social issues, education | Economic development, business growth |
| Religion | Religiously diverse, with a significant Catholic presence | Christian-dominated, strong Evangelical presence |
While Chicago is known for its Democratic lean, Wichita tends toward Republican preferences especially in local elections and national issues, indicating a different political atmosphere you'll be engaging with. The focus of each city's local politics also diverges; Chicago often emphasizes social issues and education reforms, whereas Wichita tends to concentrate on economic development and supporting local businesses. On the religious front, Chicago boasts a wide array of faiths with a substantial Catholic community, contrastingly, Wichita has a pronounced Christian presence, particularly among Evangelicals, reflecting in the community activities and local establishments. Understanding these nuances can help you engage more deeply with local culture and community initiatives in Wichita.
Chicago vs. Wichita Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Wichita, KS? Understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic can help you adjust swiftly. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Wichita offers insights into what you might expect in each city.
| Comparison | Chicago | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 18 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | No |
In Chicago, the reliance on public transit is high, with services like the Chicago Transit Authority offering comprehensive bus and subway lines that make getting around without a car feasible. The longer average commute times and higher congestion levels reflect the dense urban environment. On the flip side, Wichita's commute times are significantly shorter and traffic is much less of a concern, but the city scores lower in terms of public transit availability, making a car almost essential for daily travel. Considering these aspects will be crucial in adapting to your new environment.
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
