Chicago is one of the most enthusiastic metropolitan cities in the world. When you choose to move from New York to Chicago, get ready to witness a whole new range of lifestyles and opportunities.
The city with its warm welcoming beauty will give you an atmosphere to find your kind of vibe.
If you are planning to move from NYC to Chicago, do not hesitate, you will find a whole new world welcoming you to learn, explore and enjoy in Chicago.
When you are planning to relocate to Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest, you can rediscover the diverse culture, food, and beauty of the city at an arguably cheaper rate compared to New York and many other major cities in the US.
A cost-friendly lifestyle with plenty of chances to succeed and explore your true passion, Chicago can help you achieve anything you truly want.
We are here to help you know more about the expenses, opportunities, education, and overall life in the city of Chicago.
When you are planning to relocate into Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest, you can rediscover the diverse culture, food and beauty of the city at an arguably cheaper rate compared to New York and many other major cities in the US.
The cost-friendly lifestyle with plenty of chances to succeed and explore your true passion, Chicago can help you achieve anything you truly want. We are here to help you know more about the expenses, opportunities, education and the overall life in the city of Chicago.
While moving to Chicago, the world class metropolitan city of the US with its classic business districts and wowing neighborhoods, you might want to know what you are looking for in this city. So we are here to help you out with every detail you should know while moving to Chicago.
Preparing oneself while relocating can be difficult and will require good prior knowledge about the city and the lifestyle before moving. So if you are planning to relocate soon, let us take you to an ultimate guide you should know before packing your bags to Chicago.
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1. Moving To Chicago
- Chicago, the largest centrally located metropolitan city of the United States is known for its astonishing diversity, excellent business and job opportunities.
- The city provides everything you are looking for, whether it be to encourage your creativity or to empower you in any field you are looking out for.
- The affordable living expenses is one of the main reasons why people find it at ease while moving to Chicago.
- Public transportation is easy and reliable to get across the town during any time of the day.
- Life is made easy and simple with a wide variety of opportunities in front of you.
Is it worth moving to Chicago?
Chicago is one of the busiest yet the most diverse and beautiful city located in the US. If you are planning to move to Chicago from NYC, this will be one of the decisions worth it. This city will help you motivate and prosper in your field of interest with a peaceful and cost-friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.
How do I prepare to move to Chicago?
- Warm yourself up to meet and greet the new opportunities and circumstances while moving to a new city.
- Find good NYC moving companies to help you relocate to Chicago efficiently.
- Find a friendly neighborhood giving you access to your everyday essentials.
- Keep your documents which might be need in terms of verification while applying for an apartment.
- You may also pick a good bank near you from the best banks available in Chicago.
- Prepare yourself for the extreme cold days due to the lake effect snow happening in Chicago.
- Enjoy the summers with plenty of festivals and food to feast your eyes.
2. Cost Of Living in Chicago
One of the most important reasons why people find it secure to relocate to Chicago is because of the affordable living costs in this city. The reliable public transportation is of great help for people to get around the busy town.
Expenses seem to be at ease in Chicago compared to NYC. Here is a comparison of the expenses you have to know while moving to Chicago.
| Cost of living in Chicago | Cost of living in New York | |
| Rental Cost | $1,200 – $2,200/month | $2,500 – $3,000/month |
| Utilities overall cost | $150 – $200/month | $250 – $300/month |
| Transportation Cost | $115 – $200 annually | $200 – $250 anually |
| Food Expense | $300/month | $300 $375/month |
| Healthcare Cost | $500/month | $750/month |
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chicago?
The cost of living in Chicago is less compared to several other major cities. An average annual salary of $55,000 will be required to meet the expenses while moving to Chicago from NYC. There are plenty of job opportunities allowing you to be independent financially and helping you meet the expenses at a better rate while relocating to Chicago alone.
3.Cost Of Moving in Chicago
When moving from Chicago to NYC, one should know that comparatively Chicago is a much affordable place to live and meet expenses. Therefore, while coming to Chicago keep up a savings around $2000 – $3000, to meet any kind of immediate expenses.
Savings upto $10,000 can help you out longer and may help you out to explore the city more if you are not looking for a job sooner. This would also provide you time to know more about the city and find your area of interest.
Is it expensive to move to Chicago?
Moving to any city or to any side of the world will definitely cost you something. One has to always be aware of the expenses they have to meet while moving to Chicago from NYC. Things that should be possibly considered includes :
- Package utilities
- NYC moving companies including their toll charge
- Hiring movers
- Moving insurance
- Pet moving
There are several additional expenses which can be made cost effective during your relocation to Chicago. They are listed below.
Things to keep in mind to cut your costs of moving to Chicago :
- Keep proper planning strategy and get proper estimates from movers
- Pick free boxes and cartoons from stores
- Let your things be within the drawers or dressers to avoid more boxes
- Make friends in your neighbourhood earlier to help you during unloads
- Prefer not to move during peak seasons or holidays
- Prefer to pack necessary things without going for junk
- Instead of bubble wrap, prefer clothes or towels.
4. Is Chicago or New York better
The two arguably best metropolitan cities of the US dominate each other in several categories. Chicago, even though a smaller city compared to NYC, is a better place to live and explore the incredible diversity. There are several reasons why Chicago is better than NYC.
- Affordable living expenses
- Reliable public transportation
- Lesser crowding
- Better work/life balance
- No trash heaps
- Friendly and unique neighborhoods
- Less traffic and easy to get around
- Astonishing music festivals and varieties of street food
- Stunning landmarks and lakeshore
- Wide and clean streets
- Cultural attractions and amazing parks.
How is New York City different from Chicago?
New York is an entirely different city compared to Chicago. The following are some of the major differences between New York and Chicago.
| NEW YORK CITY | CHICAGO CITY |
| Expensive lifestyle | 1. Cheaper lifestyle |
| Food items are too costly | 2. Food items are less costly |
| Varieties of entertainment and cultural activities | 3. Great culture and entertainment |
| Dense and impatient population | 4. Population is less therefore overcrowding is also less |
| Trash heaps at large scale | 5. Clean city |
| Tougher to get around | 6. Easy and reliable public transports |
| Narrow and dirty streets | 7. Broad and clean streets |
| Heavy traffic and hard to drive around | 8. Less traffic and easy to get around |
Is Chicago or New York safer?
The crime rates are comparatively more in Chicago compared to New York. The number of neighbourhoods which is majorly involved in theft and murder are less in number. Therefore, while moving to Chicago from NYC it is important to choose a safe zone free of gun use to live.
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5. Property And Housing in Chicago
The wide range of affordable housing in Chicago is due to the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, known as the ARO, to help people with affordable living units. This creates a lot of affordable units for families and individuals struggling to pay high rents.
There are several housing programmes for rental assistance and homeownership support. You will be required to fill out a formal application from your landlord or leasing agent which includes your income status and other general information.
The revised ARO helps people with low income to find a suitable living space with lower rental charges. Families earning incomes below average are given better housing by encouraging the production of more affordable and family-sized units.
If you are looking for affordable accommodation or property according to your income or savings, moving to Chicago will help you find housing spaces to your choice.
What does the Chicago Housing Authority do?
The Chicago Housing Authority has several programmes helping low-income families and individuals across the city. The public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are some of the major practices for affordable living in Chicago.
One of the main reasons why people find it affordable to relocate to Chicago is entirely due to the lower rental expenses.
The CHA resident services involve many sectors to help families that strive for self-sufficiency. Your stay in Chicago can be made easy due to the variety of available housing opportunities by the CHA, Chicago’s largest owner of rental properties.
How much is it to buy a house in Chicago?
Buying a house is more affordable than living in any large cities like New York. While choosing a house in the Chicago neighbourhood, look for an ideal community which is easily reliable for living purposes, in the form of transportation, environment or opportunities.
Buying a house in Chicago according to the real estate prices will require a budget around $225,000. With buying a house you will also have additional responsibilities and expenses. From the unexpected property costs and fees to the maintenance required for the winter season, you may come across some additional needs while buying a new house in Chicago.
How do you qualify for affordable housing in Chicago?
The wide range of affordable housing in Chicago is due to the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, known as the ARO, to help people with affordable living units.
This creates a lot of affordable units for families and individuals struggling to pay high rents. There are several housing programs for rental assistance and homeownership support.
You will be required to fill out a formal application from your landlord or leasing agent which includes your income status and other general information.
The revised ARO helps people with low income to find a suitable living space with lower rental charges.
Families earning incomes below average are given better housing by encouraging the production of more affordable and family-sized units.
If you are looking for affordable accommodation or property according to your income or savings, moving to Chicago will help you find housing spaces to your choice.
6. Education in Chicago
Some of the Chicago Public Schools are not funded well enough which results in poor teaching facilities. It depends on the school you choose while moving to Chicago. The teaching staff arrive less frequently to teach which shows poor education in children attending the public schools.
Moreover, children are seated in small classrooms. This causes overcrowding in classes and students facing a crisis in the availability of resources.
The lack of teaching staff with outdated school equipment are some of the problems faced in the public schools. The quality of teaching and infrastructure depends totally upon the city you are choosing to move within Chicago. However there are still so many leading public schools in the city. Therefore, look closely before picking up an educational institute for yourself.
How does the school system work in chicago?
The school system in Chicago is based upon the tier system of the Chicago Public Schools. There are four categories in the tier system. Tier 1 includes people with less income and low educational opportunities, whereas tier 4 includes people with high income and better education.
Other than Public sector schools, there are several private schools which are fairly costly but easily available.
There are four types of public schools available in Chicago ; neighbourhood, selective, magnet and charter schools. All of them will require an entry test during application. The Chicago Public Schools also provide the best education and facilities for children with special needs. If you require better options or want to move into a different school, there are several private schools to help you as well.
How do Chicago schools rank nationally?
The schools in Chicago are ranked according to the quality of educational services across the country. Several schools were also ranked at the world level. The recent rankings demonstrate the improved quality of education, opportunities and facilities given to the students.
What’s wrong with Chicago Public Schools?
Some of the Chicago Public Schools are not funded well enough which results in poor teaching facilities. It depends on the school you choose while moving to Chicago.
The teaching staff arrives less frequently to teach which shows poor education in children attending the public schools. Moreover, children are seated in small classrooms.
This causes overcrowding in classes and students to face a crisis in the availability of resources.
The lack of teaching staff with outdated-school equipment is one of the problems faced in public schools. The quality of teaching and infrastructure depends totally upon the city you are choosing to move to within Chicago.
However, there are still so many leading public schools in the city. Therefore, look closely before picking up an educational institute for yourself.
The Best Top 5 ranked CPS Schools are :
- Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
- Northside College Preparatory High School
- Lane Technical College Preparatory High School
- Jones College Preparatory High School
- Phoenix Military Academy High School
7. Taxes in Chicago
The Illinois state tax amount that has to be paid by every individual irrespective of their income background. The tax amount in Illinois state is at a steep 4.95% rate.
| Taxes to be paid in Illinois | Rates |
| Illinois income tax | 4.95% flat |
| Illinois sales tax Drug tax | 1% – 2.25% |
| Illinois property taxes | : 2.16% |
| Illinois estate taxes | : 16% |
| Illinois telecommunication tax | : upto 7 |
| Gasoline tax | : 38.7 cents for a gallon of regular gasoline |
| Alcohol and tobacco tax | : 3% – 8.55% |
| Addition local tax expenses | : 1% – 4.75% |
| Vehicle tax | 6% – 8.50% |
| General Merchandise | 6.50% |
Are Chicago property taxes high?
Illinois property taxes remain so high as they are the primary source of funding for education institutions. The property taxes usually increase every year, therefore buying a house while moving to Chicago alone can be a little overwhelming. These tax funds support the government and several other corporations in Chicago.
Is there a city of Chicago tax?
The city of Chicago imposes local income tax as a percent of the salaries or as a percent of flat charge per week. When you are moving to Chicago alone, one must pay these charges either individually or by employers. The several income tax bases include :
- Earned income
- Proprietary income
- Corporate income &
- Personal income
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8. Weather in Chicago
April is the windiest month in Chicago. The windy weather experienced at different locations are based upon the topography and several other factors of the place.
While moving to Chicago from NYC, pack yourself for the weather so nothing can hold you back. The month of April is usually pleasant, giving chances to explore more within the city of Chicago.
Does Chicago get tornadoes?
Tornadoes, one of the violent thunderstorms hitting the ground, is not new in Chicago. They can occur during any time of the year. They generally occur during the period between March to May in Illinois.
Tornadoes are mostly seen at the downtown and lakefront areas. When relocating to Chicago or any part of the world, always get yourself ready for some unlikely climate changes that are recently happening all around the world.
Can a tsunami happen in Chicago?
According to the topography of the Chicago city, it is less likely for a tsunami to strike within the city. However, due to the air pressure changes occurring above Lake Michigan there may be large waves towards the shore.
The most Minor earthquakes are reported every few years in Chicago, especially at the lakefront area. Earthquakes are sudden without any warning triggers, therefore it is important to prepare yourself ahead of time.
What is the windiest month in Chicago?
April is the windiest month in Chicago. The windy weather experienced at different locations is based upon the topography and several other factors of the place.
While moving to Chicago from NYC, pack yourself for the weather so nothing can hold you back. The month of April is usually pleasant, giving chances to explore more within the city of Chicago.
9. Transportation in Chicago
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) gives access to visitors and tourists for easy and reliable public transports to get around the city cheaply.
- Buses and “L” trains are the most common form of transportation in Chicago.
- The Metra Rail connects the suburbs to the downtown, making it the most easier and faster route for people to travel to the heart of the city.
- Taxis are available throughout the city and water taxis are the best combo of both sightseeing and transport.
- Biking is made easy and comfortable throughout the city by the protective bike lanes throughout the city.
Does Chicago have a good transportation system?
Chicago is known to serve one of the world’s best transportation services. If you are moving to Chicago from NYC without a car or any means of transport, you need not to worry, the city offers everything you need to get around.
There are different means of transport which cost extremely low. By foot, bus, train or bike, the public transit system in Chicago can get you anywhere.
Is public transportation free in Chicago?
The Chicago Transit Authority’s buses and “L” Train are the most common transport to easily get around the city. The regular fares are between $2.25 – $2.50. Concession and free charges are available for children, seniors, students and people with disabilities.
While moving to Chicago from NYC, transportation is one of the least things you have to worry about.
10. Best Places To Visit in Chicago
1. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art institute of Chicago was established in 1866 featuring sculptures, paintings, drawings, decorative art, photographs and more expressing the astonishing culture of the world. It is home to the rare 19th and 20th century sculptures and paintings.
If you are planning to pursue arts while moving to Chicago from NYC, the School of Art Institute conducts programmes for both undergraduate and graduate by accommodating around 3000 students.
2. Field Museums
The field museum was established in 1894 is one of the world’s greatest museums of natural history. This museum holds everything from ancient history to modern discoveries. You can explore the rare side of the world in the field museum. It takes you to travel across time giving a vivid experience of the ancient times to the developing modern world.
You can discover different aspects of the world beginning from the Egyptian tomb to the planet’s largest creature, while moving to Chicago. This museum is a must visited place during your relocation to Chicago.
3. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is Chicago’s one of the world’s most famous attraction for events, celebration, fireworks, dining and more. The city of Chicago lights up every weekend at Navy Pier. The people’s pier is situated at the lakefront offering the visitors and tourists a dynamic experience of their lifetime.
This destination can heal you by the love and celebration of the city of Chicago. The fireworks and live music are some of the exceptional beauties of this city. Your weekends can be made wonderful by a trip to the Navy Pier while moving to Chicago.
11. Best Places To Live in Chicago
1. Northbrook
Explore the downtown of Northbrook and have a delicious meal dwelling within the beauty of the city. The main tourist attractions of Northbrook are Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Grant Park and Chicago theatre.
2. Lisle
Lisle comes with a lot of places to explore during your relocation to Chicago, which includes Sea Lion Aquatic Park, Norton Arboretum, Benedictine University, Dragonfly Landing, Prairie walk Pond and Jurica – Suchy Nature Museum.
3. Glencoe
Glencoe is a village situated on Chicago’s Northshore. Some of the attractions that you shouldn’t miss include Chicago Botanic Garden, Kohl Children’s Museum, Rosewood Beach, Gillson Park and Illinois Holocaust Museum.
4. La Grange
Historical sites and museums are the exceptional attractions in LA Grange. The main tourist attractions are Texas Quilt Museum, Bugle Boy, Old Fayette County Jail and Fayette County Courthouse.
5. Andersonville
Andersonville is one of the best places to go shopping and taste real good food. If you are into music and theatre you can visit the Raven theatre and dance clubs – Farraguts, Hopleaf, Lady Gregory’s and Replay Andersonville are the most incredible ones.
6. West Loop
West Loop is one the great places in Chicago with the trendiest neighbourhood and nightlife. The Green City Market, Chicago’s biggest sustainable farmers market is located in the West Loop. When you are planning to move to Chicago from NYC, explore the astonishing museum campuses in the West Loop highlighting the ancient background of these places.
7. Pilsen
Pilsen is known for its street art, fashion and the National Museum of Mexican Art attracting tourists all over the world. Pilsen is one of the most liveliest cities in Chicago with crowds dancing to music and restaurants with incredible taste.
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Moving From NYC To Chicago FAQ’s
Why is Chicago so cheap?
Chicago is very cheap because of the balanced economy of the city. Chicago is the most affordable city compared to other major cities of the US especially at housing prices and transportation.
Is it safe to live in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago is one of the safest places to live with affordable living units. The high crime rates are confined only to some particular zones of the neighborhood in Chicago.
Is Chicago more dangerous than New York?
Yes, Chicago is considered more dangerous than NYC. The crime rates in Chicago are comparatively higher than in New York.
Conclusion
Chicago is an enthusiastic city to find joy and to nurture your ambition. With the ultimate moving guide, your moving to Chicago from NYC is made easy. Home is what you make of it, therefore surround yourself with a happy neighbourhood and a set of friends to fall in love with this city.
Your moving is made easier and safer if you are familiar with all the details listed above. Make a proper plan or idea, list them out and tick them as you finish each of them accordingly. This way you make your moving fun and easy. Life is always enjoyable and successful with freedom and festivals all around this dynamic city.