Best Detroit to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Motor City to the Windy City marks an exciting shift in your life, an adventure that navigates you through cultures, cuisines, and communities. You’re leaving behind Detroit's storied automaker legacy for Chicago's towering skyscrapers, deep-dish pizzas, and vibrant blues scene. In this journey, the importance of having trusted and reliable professional movers cannot be understated, ensuring your transition is as smooth as the Lake Michigan breeze. Our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving helps you find the best movers to turn this new chapter into a success story.
Best Detroit to Chicago Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Professional Movers.com | 8.56 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Balance Detroit | 8.47 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Detroit guide.
5 Best Detroit to Chicago 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 Professional Movers.com
With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in sta...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- International Relocation
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the company...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
About Balance Detroit
Located in Detroit, Balance Detroit is a reputable moving company offering a variety of services including white glove service, long-distanc...Read More >>
Services
- White Glove Service
- Long Distance Moves
- Small Moves
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.
Detroit vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning to move from Detroit, MI, to Chicago, IL, it can be incredibly helpful to find a neighborhood similar to your current one. This guide compares popular neighborhoods in Detroit, MI & Chicago, IL , providing you insight into where you might feel most at home in the Windy City. By drawing parallels between the local neighborhoods, we aim to ease your transition and help you get acquainted with your new surroundings more swiftly.
| Detroit | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Wicker Park | Vibrant arts and nightlife scene |
| Corktown | Logan Square | Bohemian vibe with bustling bars |
| Downtown | The Loop | Epicenter for business and theaters |
| Eastern Market | Fulton Market | Renowned food scene and markets |
| Woodbridge | Hyde Park | Mix of historic and student life |
| Indian Village | Gold Coast | Historic homes and upscale living |
| Riverfront | Lakeview | Waterfront activities and community feel |
| Brush Park | Old Town | Historic charm with modern amenities |
| West Village | Andersonville | Tight-knit community with diverse shopping |
| New Center | Bucktown | Creative hub with unique shopping |
When considering the transition from Detroit's Midtown, with its eclectic mix of restaurants such as The Wright Museum and vibrant arts scene, to Chicago, Wicker Park will likely provide a similar atmosphere with its array of boutique shops, like Volumes Bookcafe, and nightlife options. Similarly, the historic charm and bustling food markets of Eastern Market have a parallel in Chicago's Fulton Market, known for its food halls and Michelin-starred restaurants. For those who love the residential feel with a touch of history in Indian Village, Gold Coast in Chicago offers luxurious living combined with a rich historical backdrop. Each neighborhood provides unique experiences, but by finding similarities, you can make your new city feel like home.
Things to Do in Chicago
Explore the Art Institute of Chicago- Watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
- Visit Shedd Aquarium
- Enjoy Millennium Park concerts
- Take the Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Discover the Field Museum
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Chicago
Moving from one city to another brings with it a blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide is crafted to contrast moving from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad. Whether you're drawn by job prospects, culture, or lifestyle, understanding both sides of relocating helps you make a well-informed decision.
Detroit, MI- Higher unemployment
- Lower public transit options
- Fewer cultural activities
- Smaller city
Chicago, IL- Better job market
- Extensive public transit
- Rich cultural scene
- Larger city
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Fewer music genres
- More impersonal
- Scarce parking
Detroit, MI- Lower cost of living
- Unique music scene
- Close-knit communities
- Ample parking
Moving from Detroit to Chicago opens doors to a vibrant urban experience with a bustling job market, enriched by an extensive public transit system that connects you to the city's diverse cultural activities. Chicago's bigger scale offers more in terms of restaurants, like the famed Alinea, and sights such as Millennium Park and The Art Institute. However, it's important to prepare for the higher cost of living, especially in trending areas like Lincoln Park or The Loop. While Detroit's music scene with its rich history in Motown and vibrant community ties provides a unique charm that's harder to find in Chicago's vast sprawl, the move is a doorway to broader horizons, where neighborhood parks like Grant Park become your backyard and world-class restaurants your dining rooms.
Detroit vs. Chicago Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Detroit & Chicago, highlighting the vibrant food scenes that significantly contribute to the local culture and lifestyle of each city. By comparing these elements, you can get a better sense of what culinary delights await you in your new home.
| Detroit | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Detroit-style Pizza | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Coney Dog | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Shawarma | Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Falafel | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Detroit, the vibrant Eastern Market district is a food lover's dream, offering a range of local eats like Detroit-style pizza, renowned for its crispy, cheesy crust. Shawarma, another city favorite, reflects the area's rich Middle Eastern influence and can be found at places like Bucharest Grill. On moving to Chicago, you'll discover a foodie paradise in neighborhoods like West Loop, where the famed Deep Dish Pizza at Giordano’s and innovative vegan options at spots like The Chicago Diner beckon. Chicago’s Italian Beef, a juicy, spicy delight, is best sampled at classics like Portillo's. Both cities have a dynamic food scene, but Chicago’s slightly higher ratings in foodie scene and vegan friendliness indicate a broad array of culinary adventures awaiting your move.
Detroit vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with satisfying your culinary cravings. This restaurant comparison between Detroit and Chicago will guide you in discovering your next go-to eateries by drawing parallels with familiar favorites back in Detroit.
| Detroit | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Selden Standard | Avec | Warm, communal dining with a focus on Mediterranean and Midwestern influences. |
| Supino Pizzeria | Spacca Napoli | Authentic Neapolitan pizzas that honor the tradition. |
| Iridescence | Everest | Offers fine dining with a breathtaking skyline view, focusing on French cuisine. |
| Slows Bar BQ | Smoke Daddy | Known for their lively atmosphere and deeply flavored BBQ dishes. |
| Rose's Fine Food | Lula Café | Farm-to-table dining with a creative twist on traditional dishes. |
| Dime Store | Little Goat Diner | Innovative diner classics with a playful twist. |
| Lafayette Coney Island | Portillo's | A must-visit for anyone craving classic Chicago-style hot dogs and more. |
| Antietam | Band of Bohemia | Culinary brewpub offering a unique blend of artistic dishes and home-brewed beers. |
| Taqueria El Rey | Big Star | A homage to Mexican street food with an impressive selection of whiskeys. |
| Grey Ghost Detroit | Girl & The Goat | Innovative dishes that encourage sharing in a chic, bustling atmosphere. |
In the realm of unique dining experiences, both Detroit and Chicago offer exceptional venues that cater to a wide array of tastes. Heading to Avec in Chicago, you're greeted with a similar warmth and a shared emphasis on seasonal ingredients that you'd find back at Detroit's Selden Standard. For pizza aficionados, the transition from Supino Pizzeria to Spacca Napoli will feel seamless, with both establishments championing the authenticity and heart of their respective styles. Meanwhile, Detroit's lauded Slows Bar BQ finds a spirited counterpart in Chicago's Smoke Daddy, where the aromas of smoked meats promise a sense of familiarity amidst the excitement of exploring a new culinary landscape.
Ready to start your move?
Detroit vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, it's crucial to understand how real estate aspects stack up between your current and prospective city. This comparison between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL focuses on housing to illuminate differences and similarities, ensuring you make an informed decision. Key elements such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities are highlighted to shed light on what each city has to offer.
| Comparison | Detroit | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Early-American and Modern | Prairie and Chicago School |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Detached garages, large yards | Lake views, proximity to public transit |
While Detroit's housing market is notably more affordable, reflecting a median home price and rent significantly lower than Chicago's, it's the urban lifestyle score where Chicago truly stands out. With its higher walkability and bikeability ratings, Chicago promises a more vibrant urban experience, evident in its robust public transportation system and the emphasis on lake views in its real estate listings. On the other hand, Detroit offers a different appeal with its emphasis on personal space, as seen in listings mentioning detached garages and large yards. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the energetic pulse of Chicago's streets or Detroit's more laid-back, spacious living will hinge on your personal preferences and lifestyle priorities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
Detroit vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
Understanding how weather varies from one location to another is crucial when planning a move. Comparing the climates of Detroit, MI, and Chicago, IL helps you anticipate changes and adapt more efficiently. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather differences to better prepare you for your relocation.
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Detroit, MI
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Detroit | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Poor |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms | Snowstorms, Windstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Detroit and Chicago enjoy four distinct seasons, there are noticeable differences in their weather patterns. Chicago's winters tend to be slightly colder than Detroit's, with harsh wind chills stemming from its location near Lake Michigan. Another notable difference is the amount of snowfall, with Detroit generally receiving more snow per year than Chicago. However, both cities have moderate air quality, with seasonal variations possibly affecting those with allergies. Understanding these distinctions can help you better prepare for your move, ensuring you're ready for the changes each season brings in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Detroit to Chicago
When you're moving, understanding the financial landscape of your new home compared to your current one is crucial. This comparison between Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL focuses on key economic indicators, helping you gauge how your costs and lifestyle might shift. Let's dive into the details.
| Comparison | Detroit | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $36,140 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.3 | 2.12 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare | Financial Services, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Lower | Higher |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
While Detroit and Chicago offer unique economic landscapes, moving from Detroit to Chicago will likely see an increase in your cost of living, especially when considering sales tax and the cost of living index. However, this comes with a potential for higher average household income. The difference in state income tax is marginal, but property taxes in Detroit are slightly higher despite its lower overall cost of living. Key industries also shift, offering new opportunities in Chicago's vibrant financial services and IT sectors. Balanced against these economic factors are considerations like the relative levels of poverty and homelessness, as well as the general affluence of each city, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone considering the move.
Detroit vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
When you're moving from Detroit to Chicago, understanding the local dynamics is crucial for a smooth transition. This overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Detroit & Chicago , offering insights into what you can expect in your new city.
| Detroit | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Primarily Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on economic revitalization, public safety | Emphasis on social justice, education, and healthcare |
| Religion | Diverse; notable Christian and Muslim communities | Diverse; strong Catholic presence alongside other faiths |
While both Detroit and Chicago share a predominantly Democratic political alignment, the focus and priorities within local politics illustrate the cities’ unique challenges and cultural leanings. Detroit’s political scene is heavily oriented toward economic revitalization and enhancing public safety, reflecting the city’s journey through financial hardship and its ongoing recovery efforts. In contrast, Chicago’s political discourse often centers around social justice, with significant attention to improving education and healthcare systems, indicative of its complex urban dynamics and broad socioeconomic spectrum. The religious landscape in both cities is notably diverse, though Chicago has a particularly strong Catholic presence, shaping its cultural fabric in distinct ways. This comparison sheds light on the subtle nuances that differentiate your soon-to-be home from your current one, preparing you for the vibrant community that awaits in Chicago.
Detroit vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL means adapting to a new way of getting around. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Detroit & Chicago is designed to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute and experiences with traffic might be like in each city.
| Comparison | Detroit | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Easier |
While Detroit offers a more manageable average commute time, Chicago's public transportation system significantly outpaces Detroit's, scoring an 8 out of 10 in terms of availability. In Detroit, having a car is almost essential due to limited public transit options. In contrast, Chicago's extensive network of buses and trains, including the famed L train system, makes navigating the city without a car much more feasible. Consequently, even though traffic congestion is rated slightly higher in Chicago, the robust public transit options offer a convenient alternative to driving. This difference underscores the varying reliance on personal vehicles versus public transportation in these two Midwestern cities.
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