Best Chicago to San Antonio Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to San Antonio Movers

Moving from the Windy City to the heart of Texas marks an exhilarating chapter in your life, blending adventure with significant change. Leaving behind Chicago’s towering skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and bustling city life for San Antonio’s historic Alamo, vibrant fiestas, and savory Tex-Mex cuisine offers a unique cultural shift. Given the distance and the importance of your belongings, it’s essential to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers for this long journey. At Great Guys Moving, we ensure you're paired with the best by using an unbiased ranking algorithm, taking the guesswork out of finding the right team for your move.

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Best Chicago to San Antonio Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC9.56NRAuthorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
Little Guys Movers9.26NRAuthorized For HHGContact
H2H Movers Inc9.24AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Antonio to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to San Antonio Moving Companies

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

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 2,238+ data points

About New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC was established in 2014, after its founder and owner had acquired over 15 years of experience in the indus...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2992735 / 1117672

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans0
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
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 10/18/2024)

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
2
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 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers26
Total Annual Miles Moved86,474 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Little Guys Movers Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 890+ data points

About Little Guys Movers

Little Guys Movers is a franchised nationwide moving company operating in eight states, including Texas. It has a location in San Marcos, on...Read More >>

Services

  • LONG DISTANCE MOVING
  • LOCAL MOVING
  • COMMERCIAL MOVING

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/7/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

880583 / 689082

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans52
Registered Drivers80
Total Annual Miles Moved667,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
H2H Movers Inc Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.24/10
based on 8,231+ data points

About 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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2428328 / 836885

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved359,681 (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. San Antonio Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be an adventure, especially when you're heading to a new city with its own unique neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & San Antonio, TX . This guide will help you find a new neighborhood in San Antonio that feels like home, using Chicago's diverse communities as a baseline.

ChicagoSan AntonioHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkAlamo HeightsAffluent, with cultural institutions
Wicker ParkSouthtownArtsy and vibrant, with a creative community
The LoopDowntown San AntonioUrban core, with historic architecture
Hyde ParkTobin HillHistoric homes, and cultural landmarks
AndersonvilleKing WilliamEclectic, with a strong sense of community
Gold CoastTerrell HillsLuxurious, with upscale homes
Old TownMonte VistaHistoric, with a blend of architectures
Logan SquareWoodlawn LakeEmerging, diverse community with green spaces
River NorthPearl DistrictTrendy, revitalized area with nightlife
BridgeportCastle HillsFamily-friendly, with a suburban feel

In your quest for a neighborhood reminiscent of Chicago's storied enclaves, you will find San Antonio's Alamo Heights offers Lincoln Park's blend of affluence and culture, boasting institutions like The McNay Art Museum. Fans of the artsy, eclectic vibe of Wicker Park might gravitate towards Southtown, known for its thriving art scene and the walkable, vibrant Blue Star Arts Complex. For those drawn to the rich historical texture and urban bustle of The Loop, Downtown San Antonio's blend of history, including the famed River Walk and The Alamo, offers an enticing parallel. Meanwhile, the community spirit and historic homes of Andersonville find a mirror in King William, where the character and camaraderie of the area are palpable at local hangouts like the friendly Blue Star Brewing Company. This exploration into comparable neighborhoods should provide a reassuring bridge between what you know and what you're about to discover in your new city.

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Things to Do in San Antonio

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to San Antonio

Moving from one city to another brings its fair share of changes, challenges, and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX, ensuring you can make an informed decision with a clear understanding of what awaits.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Cold winters
  • Higher crime rate
  • Expensive living
  • Traffic congestion
  • State income tax
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Warmer climate
  • Lower crime rate
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • No state income tax
San Antonio, TX iconSan Antonio, TX
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer museums
  • No large bodies of water
  • Car-dependent city
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • World-class museums
  • Lake Michigan
  • Better public transport

Moving from Chicago to San Antonio introduces you to a diversity of experiences, shifting from a bustling, urban lifestyle to a more relaxed pace. You'll exchange the magnificent museums like The Art Institute of Chicago for San Antonio's rich historical sites such as The Alamo and the vibrant River Walk, lined with excellent restaurants and boutique shops. San Antonio may offer fewer grand-scale museums, but it compensates with beautiful neighborhood parks like Brackenridge Park, providing a plethora of outdoor activities. While Chicago's extensive public transport system might be hard to match, San Antonio's growing infrastructure and VIA Metropolitan Transit offer promising alternatives. The transition may also bring financial relief thanks to Texas' lack of state income tax and generally more affordable living expenses, allowing for a different allocation of your budget towards exploring new entertainment options or investing in a new home.

Chicago vs. San Antonio Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of local culture and provides insight into what life is like in an area. By comparing the local cuisine between Chicago & San Antonio , we aim to better inform you about the gastronomic scene you're moving into. This guide will delve deep into both cities' flavors, ensuring you know exactly what culinary delights await.

ChicagoSan Antonio
Most iconic local food itemDeep-Dish PizzaTexas BBQ
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichBrisket
Most popular street food itemHot DogBreakfast Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitanTex-Mex Vegan Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Aurelio's Pizza
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In both Chicago and San Antonio, food is an expressive element of each city's soul, with every bite telling a story of its rich culture and tradition. While Chicago's culinary scene is famously known for its deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches, trendy neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park are bustling with innovative vegan and health-conscious eateries. San Antonio, on the other hand, takes pride in its Texas BBQ and breakfast tacos, a testament to its deep-rooted Texan and Mexican culinary influences. Neighborhoods like The Pearl District are culinary hotspots, offering everything from upscale dining at Cured at Pearl to casual, street-style eats. Regardless of your dietary preferences or cravings, both cities present a diverse array of foods and atmospheres, promising a delectable journey through their iconic eateries and street food culture.

Chicago vs. San Antonio Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding new favorite eateries is crucial to feeling at home in your new city. This restaurant comparison from Chicago to San Antonio aims to ease your transition by matching your beloved Chicago dining spots with similar options in San Antonio. Let's dive into the culinary scene and discover your next go-to restaurants.

ChicagoSan AntonioWhat You'll Love
AlineaBlissBoth offer innovative and upscale dining experiences.
Portillo'sSmoke ShackBoth are beloved for their iconic, local flavors in a casual setting.
Girl & The GoatCuredBoth renowned for unique, eclectic dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
Giordano'sDough Pizzeria NapoletanaBoth famed for their delicious, cheesy pizzas.
The Purple PigBohanan's Prime Steak and SeafoodBoth are high-end spots known for exquisite dishes.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabWildfish Seafood GrilleBoth specialize in top-quality seafood and steak dishes.
Big StarLa Tuna GrillA relaxed vibe with standout tacos and margaritas, similar to Big Star.
Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillRosario'sBoth offer a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.
The Berghoff RestaurantSchilo'sBoth are historic spots known for hearty, traditional dishes.
Pequod's PizzaChicago's PizzaOffers a taste of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in San Antonio.

In your culinary exploration of San Antonio, venues like Bliss and Cured beckon with promises of intriguingly innovative meals that echo the creativity and quality of Chicago's Alinea and Girl & The Goat, respectively. When the craving for comforting, hearty dishes hits, the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of Smoke Shack and La Tuna Grill deliver flavors reminiscent of Portillo's and Big Star, with a touch of local Texan charm. For those special nights out, places like Bliss and Bohanan's Prime Steak and Seafood offer upscale dining experiences that rival the best of Chicago, ensuring your new life in San Antonio is filled with memorable dining experiences.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. San Antonio Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX , specifically focusing on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle . These insights will help you ascertain which city aligns better with your housing preferences and lifestyle needs.

ComparisonChicagoSan Antonio
Typical Architecture StyleModern/BrickworksSpanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, proximity to transitOutdoor living spaces, historic features

In comparing Chicago and San Antonio, note that while Chicago boasts a more urban environment with its higher walkability and bikeability scores, San Antonio offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its lower cost of living. San Antonio's housing market, characterized by Spanish Colonial architecture, contrasts with Chicago's modern and historical brickwork buildings. Moreover, San Antonio's embrace of outdoor living spaces and historic features in its real estate listings highlights the city's focus on heritage and open-air experiences, distinct from Chicago's emphasis on lake views and accessibility to public transit. This comparison underscores the unique living experiences each city offers, influenced by their differing geography, culture, and lifestyle amenities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Antonio, TX

1. Alamo Heights: This upscale neighborhood boasts the Alamo Heights Dog Park, offering a spacious area for your pets to play and socialize.

2. Southtown: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Southtown features pet-friendly dining options and the scenic San Antonio River Walk, perfect for long walks with your furry friend.

3. Stone Oak: With its numerous parks and walking trails, such as Stone Oak Park, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking an active lifestyle in a suburban setting.

Chicago vs. San Antonio Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial for a smooth transition. This analysis aims to compare the climate and weather patterns of Chicago and San Antonio , providing insights into how your living conditions will change.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

94°F / 74°F

San Antonio, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

62°F / 41°F

San Antonio, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

32"

San Antonio, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

0.2"

San Antonio, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoSan Antonio
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Cold WavesHurricanes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In shifting from Chicago to San Antonio, you'll notice a considerable change in climate. San Antonio's summers are much warmer and winters milder than Chicago's, meaning fewer heavy coats and more year-round outdoor activities. The increase in sunshine days and higher annual UV index in San Antonio call for more diligent sun protection strategies. Additionally, varying types of natural disasters and allergens in each location highlight the need for awareness and preparedness tailored to your new environment.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to gauge how the cost of living and financial landscape will shift. This comparison between Chicago, IL and San Antonio, TX aims to shed light on various financial considerations that might affect your transition, making it smoother and less surprising.

ComparisonChicagoSan Antonio
Avg. Household Income$66,576$54,923
Cost of Living Index116.995.7
State Income Tax4.950
Avg. Property Tax2.101.94
Avg. Sales Tax10.258.25
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyHealthcare, Tourism, Defense
AffluenceModerateVariable
PovertyHighHigher
HomelessnessVisibleLess visible

Relocating from Chicago to San Antonio entails noteworthy financial adjustments beyond just the change in scenery. The most striking difference you'll encounter is the absence of state income tax in Texas, which can significantly benefit your paycheck. However, it's important to keep in mind the cost of living in San Antonio, while lower on average than in Chicago, still presents its own set of economic challenges. Despite a lower average household income in San Antonio, the lower cost of living, combined with a diverse job market mainly fueled by healthcare, tourism, and defense sectors, may offset this difference. Additionally, the variation in sales and property taxes between the two cities can influence your long-term budget planning, particularly if you're looking to purchase property. Understanding these financial nuances ensures you're better prepared for the economic realities of your new home.

Chicago vs. San Antonio Political & Religious Comparison

This is a comparison of the politics between Chicago & San Antonio, designed to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities. Understanding these factors can play a significant part in helping you feel at home in your new city.

ChicagoSan Antonio
Political Make-upLean towards DemocraticLean towards Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberalModerate to Liberal
ReligionChristianity, followed by Judaism, Islam, and BuddhismChristianity, primarily Catholic, followed by Protestant and other faiths

When you're moving from Chicago to San Antonio, you'll find that both cities lean towards the Democratic side of the political spectrum, although San Antonio can be seen as moderate to liberal in local politics, reflecting a diverse and vibrant community. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with Christianity being the predominant faith. In Chicago, you'll encounter a broad spectrum of religious beliefs including Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism, reflecting the city's diverse population. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Catholicism plays a more central role, indicative of its Hispanic heritage, followed by Protestants and other faiths depicted in the local community. Understanding these dynamics can help you connect with your new community and participate in its social and cultural life more fully.

Chicago vs. San Antonio Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Chicago & San Antonio is essential for anyone planning to move. This comparison aims to shed light on what you can expect from your daily commute and the general traffic conditions in these cities.

ComparisonChicagoSan Antonio
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3525
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, quite easilyChallenging, but possible

While Chicago offers a robust public transit system that many residents rely on daily, making it relatively easy to navigate the city without a car, San Antonio's public transit is less extensive, meaning you might find it more challenging to get around without your own vehicle. The average commute time in Chicago is also noticeably higher compared to San Antonio, reflective of Chicago's more intense traffic congestion. This information can help you better prepare for the lifestyle adjustments that come with moving from one city to the other.

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