Best Chicago to Boston Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Windy City to Beantown marks an exhilarating chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. You're trading Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizzas and towering skyscrapers for Boston's historic cobblestone streets and prestigious academic institutions. Given the distance and complexity of this transition, it's crucial to secure trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your journey is smooth. At Great Guys Moving, we understand the importance of quality and reliability, offering you the best movers to make your Chicago to Boston relocation seamless.
Best Chicago to Boston Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Boston to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Boston Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Stairhopper Movers
Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
This listing has been claimed by Centaur MovingAbout Centaur Moving
Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide mov...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Relocations
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
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. Boston Neighborhood Comparison
When relocating, it can be daunting to navigate a new city's neighborhoods. This guide simplifies the transition by drawing parallels between your familiar Chicago, IL & Boston, MA neighborhoods . By comparing the characteristics of top neighborhoods in both cities, we aim to help you find a new community that feels like home.
| Chicago | Boston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Back Bay | Historic architecture, vibrant shopping |
| Wicker Park | Jamaica Plain | Diverse, artsy community with local shops |
| The Loop | Downtown | Heart of the city, commercial and tourist areas |
| Gold Coast | Beacon Hill | Upscale, historic homes and quaint streets |
| River North | South End | Trendy restaurants, galleries, and nightlife |
| Logan Square | Allston | Young, vibrant scene with music venues |
| Hyde Park | Cambridge | Intellectual hub with universities |
| Andersonville | Brookline | Family-friendly with a strong sense of community |
| Old Town | North End | Rich history, famous Italian eateries |
| South Loop | Charlestown | Waterfront views, mix of old and new |
Exploring these comparable neighborhoods unveils unique cultural and architectural gems in both cities. For example, Lincoln Park's blend of natural beauty and cultural offerings mirrors Boston's Back Bay, famous for its picturesque streets and historic sites like The Freedom Trail. Similarly, if you’re drawn to Wicker Park for its creative energy and bustling nightlife, Jamaica Plain in Boston offers an equally diverse and vibrant community, highlighted by landmarks such as the Jamaica Way Tower. The transition from Chicago's eclectic dining and art scene in River North finds its counterpart in Boston's South End, where renowned galleries like SoWa Art + Design District and gourmet restaurants thrive. Embracing these parallels can ease the adjustment period, making your new city feel like home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Boston
Moving from city to city is a significant life change that comes with its set of challenges and benefits. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA, providing a balanced perspective to help you make an informed decision. Through the comparison charts, you'll gain insight into what you might gain and what you might have to adapt to in your new city.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- Higher crime rates
- Flat landscape
- Dense traffic
Boston, MA- Historic charm
- Lower crime rates
- Coastal city
- Better public transit
Boston, MA- Expensive dining
- Smaller city size
- Higher living costs
- Fewer green spaces
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- World-class museums
- Affordable living
- Large city parks
While the charts highlight key points, let's delve deeper into some aspects. Chicago's large city parks, such as Millennium Park, offer expansive green spaces right in the heart of the city, providing a welcome escape from urban life. Boston, though having fewer green spaces, is renowned for its historic charm, with neighborhoods like Beacon Hill offering picturesque streets lined with Victorian-era homes. For those willing to brave the colder months, Boston's coastal location offers unique opportunities for waterfront activities. Meanwhile, Chicago's vibrant nightlife and world-class museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, provide endless entertainment and cultural enrichment. Both cities boast strong attributes, but the decision to move will ultimately depend on what you value most in your day-to-day life.
Chicago vs. Boston Food Guide
Discovering the local cuisine is a pivotal aspect of getting acquainted with a new area. Food not only serves as sustenance but also as a window into the cultural heart of a city. In this guide, we will delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Boston to better equip you for your big move, ensuring you're well-informed about the dynamic food scenes awaiting you.
| Chicago | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Clam Chowder |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Lobster Roll |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-Style Hot Dog | Fish & Chips |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan | Jackfruit |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Chicago and Boston both offer a rich tapestry of culinary delights that reflect their historical and cultural heritage. In Chicago, neighborhoods like The Loop offer an opportunity to indulge in a legendary deep dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's, showcasing the city's love for hearty, comfort foods. Boston, on the other hand, offers a splendid seafood experience, particularly famous for its clam chowder and lobster rolls found in historic establishments like Legal Sea Foods and the Union Oyster House in areas like Downtown and the North End. Both cities cater well to food enthusiasts, whether you're in search of authentic local flavors or health-conscious options, ensuring that you'll never be far from an unforgettable meal.
Chicago vs. Boston Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart directly aligns top eateries from Chicago to their equivalents in Boston, ensuring you can easily find your new favorite spots by leveraging the tastes from your current hometown as a guide.
| Chicago | Boston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | O Ya | Exceptional multi-course Japanese dining, mirroring Alinea’s innovation |
| Girl & The Goat | Toro | Inventive small plates with a cozy, lively atmosphere |
| Portillo's | Spike’s Junkyard Dogs | Legendary hot dogs with a unique Boston twist |
| Deep Dish Pizza (Lou Malnati's) | Regina Pizzeria | Historic pizzeria known for its thick, hearty crusts |
| The Purple Pig | The Salty Pig | Charcuterie and wine, crafting a similar gastro-pub vibe |
| Roister | Row 34 | Known for its adventurous approach to seafood, akin to Roister’s innovation |
| Pequod’s Pizza | Santarpio’s Pizza | Offers a distinct pizza experience with a local Boston flair |
| Publican | The Publick House | Shares a focus on quality beer and hearty meals |
| Monteverde | Giulia | Masterful Italian dishes that match Monteverde’s fresh, homemade pastas |
| Frontera Grill | El Pelón Taquería | Authentic Mexican flavors that rival Frontera Grill's classics |
Discovering a city through its food can be an exhilarating experience. O Ya in Boston offers a dining experience that rivals the creativity and culinary expertise found at Chicago's Alinea, presenting an array of Japanese dishes in a multi-course format. For those craving the unique atmosphere and diverse flavors of Girl & The Goat, Boston’s Toro brings a slice of that vibrance closer to your new doorstep with its inventive small plates. Meanwhile, pizza lovers who miss Chicago's iconic deep dish will find solace in the thick, sumptuous crusts of Regina Pizzeria, a historic eatery that embodies the rich pizza culture akin to Lou Malnati's. And for those special nights out, the comparison between Monteverde and Giulia showcases how each city offers spectacular Italian dining experiences, spotlighting the craft of homemade pastas and authentic flavors.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Boston Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of Chicago, IL and Boston, MA is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the housing aspects, including costs, styles, and lifestyle fit, enabling you to make an informed decision on your new home.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Greystone | Colonial and Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to transit, Lake views | Historic details, Proximity to education institutions |
Chicago and Boston present distinct living experiences influenced by their history and culture. Chicago's modern and Greystone buildings alongside its famed lake views appeal to those who love a blend of contemporary and traditional. On the other hand, Boston's Colonial and Victorian architectural styles, steeped in history, along with its close proximity to prestigious educational institutions, showcase its rich heritage. While both cities offer strong urban lifestyles, Boston edges out with higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its compact, efficient layout. The difference in housing costs is significant, with Boston's median home prices and monthly rents substantially higher than Chicago's, revealing the premium placed on Boston's historic charm and dense, walkable environment.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Boston, MA
1. South End: Known for its charming, tree-lined streets and the spacious Peter's Park, which features a dedicated dog run area where your pets can play off-leash.
2. Jamaica Plain: With its proximity to the extensive trails and green spaces of the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain offers endless outdoor activities for you and your four-legged friends.
3. Beacon Hill: This neighborhood is not only picturesque but also boasts pet-friendly dining options and easy access to the Boston Common, the oldest public park in America with ample space for your pets to explore.
Chicago vs. Boston Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another means adapting to a new environment. Understanding how the weather in Chicago compares to Boston is crucial for your transition. This comparison will help you prepare for changes in temperature, humidity, and other weather-related factors.
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Chicago and Boston experience four distinct seasons, you'll find subtle differences that could influence your comfort and activities. For instance, Boston tends to have slightly warmer winters but compensates with more snowfall, which is vital to consider if you're not a fan of shoveling snow. The air quality in Boston is generally better, which might be a relief if you're sensitive to pollution. Additionally, Boston enjoys more days of sunshine per year, which could positively impact your mood and outdoor plans. Both cities, however, share similar challenges with seasonal allergies, primarily due to pollen and mold.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Boston
Deciding to move from one city to another can be a monumental life decision, especially when it comes to financial considerations. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes in Chicago compare to those in Boston can provide clarity and prepare you for the transition.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $79,283 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 132.5 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 5.00 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 1.20 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 6.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare | Education, Healthcare, Finance |
| Affluence | Varied | Higher |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Lesser |
The major financial aspects to consider when moving from Chicago to Boston include the higher cost of living in Boston, slightly higher average household income, and the differences in taxation policies. Boston's cost of living index is significantly higher than Chicago's, which is reflected in everyday expenses like housing, food, and transportation. Despite this, Boston also offers a slightly higher average household income. However, it's important to note the difference in taxes, especially sales tax, which is considerably lower in Boston. Understanding these factors can help in better financial planning and adjustment to your new environment.
Chicago vs. Boston Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick glimpse into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chicago & Boston , providing a snapshot to help you understand the community you're moving into. Whether you're politically active or interested in the religious landscape, this comparison will give you a head start.
| Chicago | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Known for Democratic leadership | History of both Democratic and Republican leadership |
| Religion | Diverse, with a strong Catholic presence | Diverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities |
In both Chicago and Boston, you'll find that the cities lean liberal or Democratic when it comes to their political makeup. However, their local politics display some differences. Chicago has a longstanding tradition of Democratic leadership, emphasizing progressive policies. Boston, while also liberal, has seen a mix of Democratic and Republican leaders, reflecting its historical significance in American politics. Religion in both cities is quite diverse, reflecting a mosaic of beliefs and practices. Chicago showcases a strong Catholic presence among its religious communities, while Boston also has a significant number of Catholic followers alongside a notable Protestant demographic. This diversity enriches the cities' cultural landscapes, providing a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life.
Chicago vs. Boston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Making a move from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA? Understanding the daily commute and how traffic and transportation options vary between these cities is crucial. This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Boston to help you better anticipate changes in your daily travel.
| Comparison | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Yes, more easily |
Diving deeper into the nuances of commuting in Chicago and Boston, it's worth noting that both cities offer robust public transit systems. Chicago's CTA provides extensive coverage, but Boston's MBTA scores slightly higher in availability, making car-free living more feasible in Boston. Expect shorter commute times in Boston, albeit slightly, which contributes to a less congested experience compared to Chicago. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Chicago or the historic roads of Boston, adapting to each city's unique transit landscape will be a key part of your move.
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