Best Cleveland to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Cleveland to Chicago Movers

Embarking on a move from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL, is not just a relocation; it's an adventure into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind the Rock and Roll Capital for the Windy City, you exchange the cozy charm of The Land for the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers of Chi-Town. Given the distance and the fresh start awaiting you, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure this chapter begins on the right note. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves in connecting you with the best, using an unbiased algorithm, turning the daunting into a breeze.

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Best Cleveland to Chicago 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
Krupp Moving & Storage8.89AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Cleveland guide.

5 Best Cleveland to Chicago 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
Krupp Moving & Storage Logo
Superb8.89/10
based on 1,545+ data points

About Krupp Moving & Storage

Akron and Canton are 25 miles apart, and between them, there’s one mover that residents have come to trust. Krupp Moving & Storage has b...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2091898 / 729746

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved300,000 (2022)
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.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

If you're planning a move and looking for familiarity in an unfamiliar place, understanding the local neighborhoods and finding similar ones in your new city can ease the transition. This guide offers a comparison of the most popular Cleveland, OH neighborhoods with their closest similar neighborhoods in Chicago, IL, helping you find your new perfect spot.

ClevelandChicagoHow They're Similar
TremontWicker ParkVibrant nightlife, arts scene
Ohio CityLogan SquareEclectic shops, foodie haven
LakewoodAndersonvilleWelcoming, diverse community
Shaker HeightsHyde ParkHistoric homes, cultural institutions
University CircleLincoln ParkMuseums, green spaces
Gordon SquareOld TownQuirky theaters, boutique shopping
Little ItalyLittle Italy ChicagoItalian heritage, dining
WestlakeRoscoe VillageFamily-friendly, community vibe
DowntownThe LoopUrban living, skyscrapers
EdgewaterEdgewater ChicagoLakefront, diverse population

For those drawn to the eclectic vibe of Tremont with its mix of arts, culture, and vibrant nightlife, Wicker Park in Chicago offers a similar atmosphere with its numerous galleries, live music venues, and bars. Food enthusiasts leaving Ohio City, known for its craft breweries and artisanal eateries, will feel at home in Logan Square, where innovative restaurants and farmer's markets abound. The serene, historic charm of Shaker Heights finds its match in Hyde Park, where leafy streets and stately homes stand alongside major cultural staples like The Museum of Science and Industry. Additionally, if the beachfront and community spirit of Edgewater is what you'll miss, you'll be pleased to find a kindred spirit in Edgewater Chicago, showcasing diverse cultural events and outdoor activities along its scenic lakefront.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Cleveland to Chicago

Moving from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is a significant transition that presents both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from Cleveland to Chicago , highlighting the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Let's dive into the distinctive aspects of each city.

CONs
PROs
Cleveland, OH iconCleveland, OH
  • Smaller job market
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Lower public transit options
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Lesser known restaurants
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Larger job market
  • More cultural diversity
  • Better public transit
  • More entertainment options
  • Famous dining scenes
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher living costs
  • More anonymous living
  • More traffic
  • Expensive housing
  • Complex city layout
Cleveland, OH iconCleveland, OH
  • Lower living costs
  • Smaller, close-knit communities
  • Less traffic congestion
  • More affordable housing
  • Easy navigation

When moving from Cleveland to Chicago, you're not just changing your address but stepping into a vibrant urban tapestry rich with culture, diversity, and opportunity. Chicago's famous dining scene, for example, boasts iconic establishments like Alinea and Girl & The Goat, making it a foodie's paradise. Enrich your cultural palate with visits to The Art Institute of Chicago or catch an awe-inspiring show at The Chicago Theatre. Neighborhood parks such as Lincoln Park offer vast green spaces for leisure and recreation. Although the adjustment may include navigating a more complex city layout and acclimating to higher living costs, the abundance of professional opportunities and enriched lifestyle make the transition compelling. Embrace the excitement of Chicago while cherishing the fond memories of Cleveland's close-knit communities.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Food Guide

Food plays a critical role in understanding local culture and lifestyle; hence, this guide includes a comparison of the local cuisine between Cleveland & Chicago. This comparison aims to equip you with a better grasp of the culinary scenes in your new city.

ClevelandChicago
Most iconic local food itemPolish BoyDeep-dish pizza
Most popular meat dishCleveland-style BBQItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemStreet TacosChicago-style hot dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan Corned BeefSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lola Bistro
  • Slyman's Deli
  • Momocho
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Chicago is celebrated for its deep-dish pizza, with neighborhoods like River North and The Loop hosting renowned spots such as Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Not to be outdone, the Chicago-style hot dog is a staple street food that captures the city's culinary spirit, often found at stands throughout Wrigleyville and beyond. For those seeking vegan options, the city's burgeoning vegan scene offers innovative dishes like seitan wings, which are becoming increasingly popular in areas such as Logan Square and Wicker Park. Whether you're dining at a high-end restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a food truck, Chicago's diverse food scene promises to satisfy a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering your new favorite dining spots. This restaurant comparison chart is designed to ease the transition for those moving from Cleveland to Chicago by matching beloved Cleveland eateries with their Chicago counterparts. Discover new favorite eateries by comparing Cleveland and Chicago restaurants, making your relocation journey a tasty one.

ClevelandChicagoWhat You'll Love
Michaelangelo'sSpiaggiaUpscale Italian, renowned for creativity and elegance
Lola BistroGiantInnovative, cozy spot with a creative American menu
Mabel's BBQGreen Street Smoked MeatsRustic and lively BBQ joint with a Texan twist
Banana BlossomPho's Spicier Thai CuisineAuthentic Thai with a focus on fresh flavors
Slyman's RestaurantManny's Cafeteria & DelicatessenIconic deli known for mammoth sandwiches
Luca Italian CuisineVolare Ristorante ItalianoClassic Italian in a romantic setting
The Black PigThe Purple PigInventive Mediterranean with a nose-to-tail philosophy
BarrioBig StarLaid-back atmosphere with standout tacos and whiskey
Edison's Pizza KitchenPequod's PizzaKnown for its caramelized crust and hearty toppings
Presti's BakeryFloriole Cafe & BakeryFrench-inspired pastries in a cozy café setting

For fans of craft barbecue, the transition from Mabel's BBQ in Cleveland to Chicago's Green Street Smoked Meats will feel like a seamless culinary journey. Both spots are praised for their unique takes on traditional BBQ, offering mouthwatering meats in atmospheres that are as laid-back as they are lively. Those with a taste for classic Italian dishes will revel in the sophistication of Spiaggia, a dining experience in Chicago that mirrors the quality and creativity found at Cleveland's Michaelangelo's. For a quick, comforting bite, the iconic sandwiches at Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen in Chicago offer a reminiscent flavor of Cleveland's beloved Slyman's Restaurant, ensuring your comfort food cravings are well catered to in your new city.

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Cleveland vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, the real estate landscape plays a critical role in decision-making. This comparison highlights the similarities and differences in housing between Cleveland, OH, and Chicago, IL , enabling a deeper understanding of each city's unique offerings. The purpose of this comparison is to delineate the key aspects of real estate in each location, providing invaluable insights for potential movers.

ComparisonClevelandChicago
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPrairie, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsProximity to public transit, Lake views

While Cleveland boasts more affordable housing with a median home price of $155,000, Chicago, despite its higher median of $290,000, offers a more robust urban lifestyle and greater walkability, scoring an 8 out of 10. This is further complemented by its higher bikeability rating, reflecting Chicago's infrastructure's emphasis on sustainability and accessibility. The architectural style in each city reflects its cultural and historical milieu, with Cleveland favoring Colonial and Craftsman styles, offering spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods. In contrast, Chicago embraces Prairie and Modern influences, often highlighting lake views and proximity to public transit in real estate listings. These differences paint a broad picture of life in both cities, guiding your decision on where to call your next home.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move, understanding the weather differences between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison between Cleveland and Chicago will help you adjust to what Mother Nature has in store in your new city.

Summer icon
82°F / 64°F

Cleveland, OH

84°F / 68°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
34°F / 22°F

Cleveland, OH

32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39.1

Cleveland, OH

36.9

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
68

Cleveland, OH

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonClevelandChicago
Air QualityModerateModerate
Natural DisastersLake-effect snow, stormSnowstorms, wind
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Cleveland to Chicago, you'll notice that Chicago enjoys a slightly warmer summer average and more days of sunshine annually. However, winter temperatures can dip a bit lower. Chicago also experiences less annual snowfall than Cleveland, a detail likely welcomed by those not fond of heavy snow removal. Both cities face moderate air quality concerns and share common seasonal allergies, mainly pollen and mold, preparation for those sensitivities should be similar. Understanding these nuances can help you better prepare for your new climate.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it is crucial to understand the differences in cost of living and overall financial health you will encounter. This comparison aims to highlight the financial considerations between Cleveland and Chicago to better prepare you for your move.

ComparisonClevelandChicago
Avg. Household Income$35,562$66,576
Cost of Living Index101116.9
State Income Tax2.92% - 5.0%4.95% (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax2.06%2.10%
Avg. Sales Tax8%10.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, EducationFinance, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceLowerModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableConcerning

Moving from Cleveland to Chicago, you'll find some financial adjustments are needed. Despite Chicago's higher average household income, the cost of living and sales tax rates are also notably more elevated, which can impact your budgeting. The difference in state income tax structures is worth noting—Ohio's progressive tax system contrasts with Illinois's flat rate. Additionally, the dominant industries might steer your career opportunities in a new direction, with finance and insurance playing a more significant role in Chicago's economy. Understanding these differences is crucial in preparing both your budget and career expectations in your new city.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL, it's useful to have a quick glance at how the local culture might shift. This overview will provide a glimpse into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Cleveland & Chicago , helping you understand the communities you're moving from and to.

ClevelandChicago
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on urban development and healthcareEmphasis on education and crime reduction
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, with a significant presence of other faiths

Moving from Cleveland to Chicago, you'll find that both cities share a Democratic-leaning political landscape, although Chicago might present an even stronger inclination towards Democratic values. In terms of local politics, while Cleveland has been prioritizing urban development and healthcare, Chicago has placed a significant focus on improving its education system and addressing crime rates. Although both cities predominantly follow Christianity, they also celebrate religious diversity, providing you with numerous opportunities to explore and join different religious communities after your move.

Cleveland vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be a big change, especially when it comes to daily commutes. This guide is designed to help you better understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between Cleveland & Chicago, so you can prepare for your new life with ease.

ComparisonClevelandChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2534
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with some effortYes, easier than in Cleveland

When comparing Cleveland and Chicago, it's evident that Chicago offers a more robust public transit system, making it easier to live without a car. The average commute time is longer in Chicago, reflecting its busier traffic and larger population. However, this is balanced by the city's higher accessibility to buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, including the well-known Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). While Cleveland provides a manageable living experience without a car, in Chicago, the convenience and efficiency of public transit options significantly enhance city living, making the daily commute more bearable and sustainable.

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