Best Chicago to Cleveland Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Cleveland Movers

Moving from the Windy City to the Rock and Roll Capital of the World marks an exciting phase in your life, offering a blend of adventure and fresh starts. Chicago's bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and deep-dish pizza give way to Cleveland's renowned cultural institutions, passionate sports fans, and comforting pierogies. Understanding the significance of such a journey highlights the importance of entrusting your move to reliable, professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving ensure that your transition is smooth, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best, most trustworthy movers for this pivotal long-distance move.

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Best Chicago to Cleveland Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Eyring Movers9.51NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.50A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
A1 Movers, Inc9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Cleveland to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Cleveland Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Eyring Movers Logo
Exceptional9.51/10
based on 1,186+ data points

About Eyring Movers

Eyring Movers has been moving Cleveland residents for five generations, since 1897. This moving company's extremely long history as a reliab...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

120489 / 87872

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved85,000 (2024)
View Full Review
1
Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,024+ data points

About Blue Men Moving LLC

Blue Men LLC strives to treat its clients with the golden rule in order to reduce the stress of relocation. This moving company is a locally...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving services
  • Commercial moving services
  • Cheap moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2462290 / 863664

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved300,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
4
A1 Movers, Inc Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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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. Cleveland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. This guide aims to ease your transition by comparing the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Cleveland, OH . By drawing parallels between the neighborhoods you know and love in Chicago with those in Cleveland, we hope to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

ChicagoClevelandHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkShaker HeightsGreen spaces, family-friendly
Wicker ParkTremontArtsy vibe, eclectic dining
The LoopDowntown ClevelandUrban living, access to amenities
Gold CoastBratenahlLuxury living, historic homes
River NorthUniversity CircleCultural hub, museums and dining
Hyde ParkCleveland HeightsDiverse community, academic atmosphere
Old TownOhio CityHistoric, vibrant nightlife
Logan SquareLakewoodEclectic, rich in parks
South LoopFlats East BankWaterfront living, entertainment options
AndersonvilleLarchmereQuaint shops, cultural diversity

If you're intrigued by Chicago's vibrant arts scene in Wicker Park, with its bustling streets lined with independent boutiques, bars, and iconic music venues like Subterranean, you'll find a kindred spirit in Cleveland's Tremont. Tremont is renowned for its eclectic dining options, such as The Literary Tavern, and its monthly "Walk About" that showcases the area's rich array of galleries and artisanal shops. Those who appreciate the refined, upscale atmosphere of the Gold Coast, with its historic, architecturally significant mansions along the Magnificent Mile, will be drawn to Bratenahl's luxurious homes and scenic lakeside views, capturing a similar essence of exclusivity and elegance. Meanwhile, fans of the expansive greenery and community-oriented vibe of Lincoln Park will find Shaker Heights an ideal counterpart, boasting ample parks, family-friendly activities, and a strong sense of community engagement.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Cleveland

Moving can be a adventure full of new opportunities and challenges. With this comparison, we aim to provide you with an honest reflection of the relocation from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH, helping you weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Understanding both the good and bad attributes of this transition will ensure you are prepared for your new life in Cleveland.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher crime rates
  • More expensive
  • Colder winters
  • Heavy traffic
Cleveland, OH iconCleveland, OH
  • Lower crime rates
  • More affordable
  • Milder winters
  • Less traffic
Cleveland, OH iconCleveland, OH
  • Smaller job market
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diversity in dining
  • Smaller cultural scene
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Larger job market
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse dining
  • Rich cultural scene

Moving from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH opens up a unique set of opportunities and considerations. Though you may leave behind Chicago's extensive job market, vibrant nightlife, and rich, diverse dining scene, areas like the Historic Warehouse District in Cleveland offer their own charm with cozy restaurants and artisan coffee shops such as Tremont Athletic Club becoming local favorites. Cleveland's milder winters make activities in the Metroparks more enjoyable year-round, while the city's more affordable cost of living greatly reduces financial stress, letting you explore and enjoy new experiences like the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art or catching a game at Progressive Field without the heavy burden of higher living costs found back in Chicago.

Chicago vs. Cleveland Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Cleveland explores an essential aspect of each city's cultural vibe – their food scenes. Understanding the culinary landscape can greatly enrich your relocation experience, letting you dive into what makes each city unique, flavorfully speaking.

ChicagoCleveland
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaPolish Boy
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCorned Beef
Most popular street food itemChicago Style Hot DogGyro
Most popular vegan foodSeitanVegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Chicago boasts a rich, diverse food scene deeply embedded in the city's history and culture. The deep dish pizza, for example, can be savored in neighborhoods like River North or the Loop, offering a culinary experience that's quintessentially Chicagoan. Similarly, Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs epitomize the city's love for hearty, flavorful street food, typically enjoyed in bustling locales like Portillo's. On the other hand, Cleveland presents its unique culinary heritage with the Polish Boy, a local favorite, best experienced in traditional diners and BBQ joints across the city. Cleveland's food scene, including spots like Slyman's Deli and Mabel's BBQ, reflects a convergence of classic American fare with a twist, showcasing the city's innovation in comfort food. Whether you're exploring vegan dishes or indulging in meaty delights, both cities offer compelling, diverse options to satisfy any palate.

Chicago vs. Cleveland Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital role in making a new city feel like home. This guide offers a comparison to help you find your new favorite dining spots in Cleveland by drawing parallels with some of Chicago's top restaurants. This restaurant comparison chart aims to ease your transition from Chicago to Cleveland, ensuring you don’t miss out on extraordinary culinary experiences.

ChicagoClevelandWhat You'll Love
AlineaEdwins Leadership & Restaurant InstituteHigh-end dining with a focus on culinary excellence
Girl & The GoatLola BistroInventive, upscale cuisine in a chic setting
Portillo'sHappy DogEclectic hot dogs in a casual, funky atmosphere, reflecting Portillo’s unique menu and vibe
Deep Dish Pizza PlaceIl Rione PizzeriaAuthentic, Chicago-style deep dish pizza offering a taste of home
The Purple PigThe Black PigEuropean-inspired fare with a focus on charcuterie and shared plates
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabBlue Point GrillePremier seafood and steak dining, known for quality
Frontera GrillBarrioCreative tacos and a testament to Mexican cuisine, reminiscent of Frontera Grill’s flair
Au ChevalHolsteinsA go-to for burger enthusiasts seeking a unique and mouth-watering experience
Gene & Jude'sSteve's Hot DogsIconic hot dog joint, a casual eatery honoring the simple, yet beloved, American classic
RoisterGreenhouse TavernForward-thinking, farm-to-table concept with a similar approach to laid-back yet sophisticated dining

In the culinary landscape, the experience of enjoying a meal extends far beyond just eating. For instance, Alinea in Chicago offers an avant-garde dining experience that's matched in spirit by Cleveland's Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, where fine dining meets a mission of empowering disadvantaged individuals. This exemplifies not just a meal, but a dining experience with a purpose. Meanwhile, the transition from Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizzas can be softened by visiting Il Rione Pizzeria in Cleveland, where the dedication to the craft of pizza mirrors that of Chicago's famed pizzerias. Furthermore, the casual yet iconic hot dog spots like Gene & Jude's find a welcoming comparison in Steve's Hot Dogs in Cleveland, ensuring that even in the simple pleasures, you feel right at home. These parallels not only showcase the culinary diversity and richness in both cities but also ease the longing for the familiar tastes of Chicago.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Cleveland Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a critical role when deciding to move. Understanding how Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH compare in terms of housing can enlighten your decision. This comparison focuses on housing cost, architecture, walkability, and more, providing you with a clear picture of what to expect in each city.

ComparisonChicagoCleveland
Typical Architecture StyleModern, High-riseColonial, Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Proximity to public transitQuiet neighborhoods, Spacious yards

When comparing the housing sector between Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH, distinct differences emerge that can significantly affect your living experience. Chicago's higher median home price and rent reflect its vibrant urban lifestyle, desirable for those seeking a fast-paced city life. Its modern and high-rise architecture, along with better walkability and bikeability scores, cater to individuals who prefer access and convenience. Cleveland, on the other hand, offers a more affordable housing market, with colonial and bungalow-style homes that may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more spacious environment. The lower urban lifestyle score in Cleveland suggests a different pace of life, which could be a desirable change for some.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cleveland, OH

1. Lakewood: Known for its progressive values, you'll find numerous dog-friendly parks like Lakewood Park and pet-friendly housing options in this vibrant community.

2. Tremont: This trendy neighborhood hosts regular "Yappy Hours" at various local establishments and boasts of multiple pet-friendly apartments and shops.

3. Ohio City: Home to the Fairview Park Dog Swim, this eclectic neighborhood has a friendly vibe for pet owners with its off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants.

Chicago vs. Cleveland Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the climatic differences is essential. This helps in preparing both mentally and logistically for the change. Here, we will focus on comparing the weather between Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH to ensure you're well informed before making the transition.

Summer icon
84°F/63°F

Chicago, IL

83°F/64°F

Cleveland, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F/18°F

Chicago, IL

34°F/22°F

Cleveland, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36.89

Chicago, IL

39.1

Cleveland, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36.7

Chicago, IL

68.1

Cleveland, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoCleveland
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Extreme ColdSnowstorms, Lake-effect Snow
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Chicago to Cleveland, you'll find the climates remarkably similar with slight differences that may affect your daily life. Winters might be slightly milder in Cleveland, but the city experiences significantly more snowfall due to the lake-effect snow, a phenomenon you might be less familiar with coming from Chicago. Despite fewer sunny days annually, Cleveland shares a similar profile in terms of humidity, air quality, and top seasonal allergies. These subtle differences highlight the importance of preparing for a slightly different weather experience in Cleveland.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Cleveland

Moving from one city to another involves plunging into a different financial landscape. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income in Chicago compare to Cleveland is crucial for planning your budget and lifestyle in your new home.

ComparisonChicagoCleveland
Avg. Household Income$66,576$35,562
Cost of Living Index116.9101
State Income Tax4.954.797
Avg. Property Tax2.102.29
Avg. Sales Tax10.258.00
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, ManufacturingHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessConcerningWorrisome

While both cities offer culturally rich environments, financially they paint different pictures. The average household income in Chicago is significantly higher than in Cleveland, reflecting the city's pricier living conditions and vibrant economy, particularly in finance, insurance, and manufacturing sectors. On the other hand, Cleveland presents a more affordable cost of living, yet it struggles with higher poverty rates. Taxes, both income and property, are relatively similar, yet the difference in sales tax might make everyday expenses in Chicago noticeably higher. These financial contrasts underscore the importance of budget planning and understanding your new city's economic landscape when moving.

Chicago vs. Cleveland Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new cultural and social environment. This quick overview is designed to provide you with an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in your new home, comparing Chicago & Cleveland . Understanding these aspects can help you better adapt and find your community in your new city.

ChicagoCleveland
Political Make-upStrongly DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberalModerately Liberal
ReligionDiverse: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and othersPrimarily Christian, with a notable Jewish community

In the journey from Chicago to Cleveland, you'll find subtle yet significant differences in the sociopolitical and religious landscapes. Chicago, well-known for its strong Democratic leanings, presents a highly liberal political scene that is reflected in its policies and local governance. In Cleveland, while the city also leans Democratic, the political atmosphere is somewhat more moderate. Religion plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of both cities, with Chicago showcasing a broad spectrum of faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Cleveland's religious scene is predominantly Christian, but there's a noteworthy Jewish presence, illustrating the city's own brand of diversity. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate your new surroundings more effectively and find your place within the community.

Chicago vs. Cleveland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences between driving and transiting in Chicago & Cleveland is essential for anyone considering a move. This comparison aims to give you a better grasp on what your daily commute and traffic experience might look like.

ComparisonChicagoCleveland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.724.1
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, especially within the cityPossible but challenging in suburbs

When moving from Chicago to Cleveland, you'll find some noticeable differences in commuting experiences. Chicago, known for its extensive public transit system, allows residents to comfortably navigate the city without a car. In contrast, Cleveland, while having public transit available, does not offer the same level of convenience, making car ownership more of a necessity, especially if residing outside of the city center. Additionally, you can expect a shorter average commute time in Cleveland, but with less traffic congestion than Chicago, potentially making your daily commute more predictable and less stressful.

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