Best Phoenix to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Phoenix to Chicago Movers

Moving from the sun-kissed landscapes of Phoenix, AZ, to the bustling streets of Chicago, IL, marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your life. While you leave behind the Valley of the Sun, known for its sprawling golf courses and fiery sunsets, ahead awaits the Windy City with its rich history, iconic deep-dish pizza, and vibrant neighborhood tapestries. Recognizing the magnitude of this journey, it’s essential you entrust your move to professional movers who are not only trusted but also ranked among the best by our unbiased algorithm at Great Guys Moving, ensuring a seamless transition to your new adventure.

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Best Phoenix to Chicago Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Sterling Interstate LLC9.75A+Authorized For HHGContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.32A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Phoenix guide.

5 Best Phoenix to Chicago Moving Companies

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

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.75/10
based on 2,279+ data points

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (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 12/5/2024)

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 12/5/2024)

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
3
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 991+ data points

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.31/10
based on 4,091+ data points

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1877603 / 1173916

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
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.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be disorienting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city's neighborhoods. This guide compares popular neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ & Chicago, IL to help you find a new area that feels like home. By identifying the closest similar neighborhoods, you can easily transition to Chicago while staying in a community that suits your lifestyle.

PhoenixChicagoHow They're Similar
ArcadiaLincoln ParkGreen spaces, family-friendly
Desert RidgeWest LoopBustling, full of amenities
Downtown PhoenixLoopUrban, heart of the city
Roosevelt RowWicker ParkArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Paradise ValleyGold CoastUpscale, exclusive
North ScottsdaleLakeviewResidential with a lively scene
EncantoAndersonvilleDiverse, historic homes
CoronadoLogan SquareTrendy, with historic spots
Ahwatukee FoothillsRavenswoodQuiet, community-focused
MidtownRiver NorthArts and entertainment hub

If you're drawn to the artistic flair and coffee shops lining Roosevelt Row, Wicker Park in Chicago offers a similar eclectic and vibrant vibe, complete with indie bookstores like Volumes Bookcafe and hip galleries. Should your tastes lean more towards upscale living, akin to Paradise Valley, Chicago's Gold Coast presents an equally luxuriant experience with historic mansions and elite shopping venues along Michigan Avenue. For those enchanted by the green spaces and friendly community of Arcadia, Lincoln Park in Chicago will charm you with its own expansive parks, like the Lincoln Park Zoo, and a strong sense of neighborhood kinship, enhancing its family-friendly atmosphere.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Phoenix to Chicago

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL involves weighing the good against the bad. This comparison aims to shed light on both sides, providing an honest reflection to help you make an informed decision. Whether it's the weather differences, cultural scenes, or cost of living, see how Phoenix's drawbacks might just be Chicago's strengths, and vice versa.

CONs
PROs
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Intense heat
  • Limited public transit
  • Scant green spaces
  • Less diverse cuisine
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Seasonal weather
  • Extensive transit options
  • Plentiful parks
  • World-class dining
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher expenses
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer outdoor activities
  • Colder, cloudier
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Lower cost of living
  • Milder winters
  • More outdoor activities
  • Sunny days

In making your move from Phoenix to Chicago, you'll exchange the stark, sunbaked landscapes for the vibrant, green expanses of Lincoln Park and Millennium Park. While Phoenix offers a more relaxed pace with fewer culinary diversities, Chicago's food scene is a bustling array of global cuisines, from the deep-dish pizzas at Pequod's to the innovative dishes at Alinea. Despite braving Chicago's colder climate, you'll find yourself immersed in a city rich with cultural institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and historic landmarks such as Willis Tower. This transition may mean adjusting to higher living expenses and snow-shoveling in winters, but the trade-off includes access to an extensive public transit system and a host of neighborhood festivals that celebrate the city's diverse communities.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Phoenix & Chicago, highlighting how food is an integral part of local culture and daily life. Understanding the culinary landscape of your new home city can greatly enhance your moving experience, offering insights into the flavors and dining options that await you.

PhoenixChicago
Most iconic local food itemSonoran Hot DogDeep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemTacosChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • La Cocina
  • Churn
  • Lou Malnati’s
  • Au Cheval
  • Girl & The Goat
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Phoenix to Chicago, you'll transition from a culinary scene deeply infused with Mexican influences, characterized by Sonoran Hot Dogs and Carne Asada, to one where Italian-American flavors reign supreme, evident in the iconic Deep Dish Pizza and Italian Beef sandwiches. In Phoenix, places like Pizzeria Bianco are a testament to the city's diverse food scene, offering more than just Mexican cuisine. Meanwhile, Chicago's food scene, with staples like Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza, showcases the city's rich cultural tapestry through its food. Both cities offer vibrant food truck scenes, but Chicago steps ahead with a bustling foodie scene and a slightly more vegan-friendly attitude, reflected in its restaurant offerings and neighborhoods like Logan Square, known for its vegan restaurants and food options.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

When you move, finding restaurants that feel like home is key to settling in. This restaurant comparison between Phoenix to Chicago helps transition your tastebuds by matching up Phoenix favorites with Chicago equivalents. Whether you crave high-end dining, casual eats, or iconic dishes, this guide aims to introduce you to your new go-to spots.

PhoenixChicagoWhat You'll Love
Pizzeria BiancoSpacca NapoliRenowned for its authentic Neapolitan pizza
Barrio CaféRick Bayless' Frontera GrillFamous for upscale Mexican cuisine
Durant'sGibsons Bar & SteakhouseClassic steakhouse experience
Matt's Big BreakfastWildberry Pancakes and CafePopular for breakfast and brunch
Nobuo at Teeter HouseMomotaroExceptional Japanese dining
La Santisima Gourmet Taco ShopBig StarKnown for tacos and a lively atmosphere
Rusconi’s American KitchenGirl & The GoatInventive American cuisine
The Breadfruit & Rum BarLost LakeTiki bar with a strong rum focus
Little Miss BBQSmoque BBQAcclaimed for smoked meats and BBQ
CiboOsteria Via StatoCharming Italian eatery

Exploring the culinary offerings of a new city can be an exciting adventure. In Chicago, you have the opportunity to dive deep into diverse and vibrant food scenes that echo the rich flavors found back in Phoenix. For instance, if you were a regular at Pizzeria Bianco, Spacca Napoli awaits in Chicago with its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas that have earned rave reviews for their authenticity and taste. Fans of the comfort and creativity found at Rusconi’s American Kitchen in Phoenix might find a new favorite in Chicago’s Girl & The Goat, where the eclectic American menu pushes the boundaries of traditional flavors. Each restaurant listed brings something unique to the table, from the ambiance to the menu, ensuring that you can start building new dining traditions in your new hometown.

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Ready to start your move?

Phoenix vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

When contemplating a move, understanding the nuances of real estate between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate how Phoenix and Chicago stack up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle compatibility, guiding your transition to a new city.

ComparisonPhoenixChicago
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, PuebloGreystone, Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPool, GarageLake View, Hardwood Floors

In comparing the housing characteristics of Phoenix and Chicago, several key differences emerge. Phoenix offers a more affordable housing market with a median home price noticeably lower than in Chicago, though rent tends to be cheaper in the Windy City. Architecturally, both cities offer unique styles reflective of their history and climate; ranch and pueblo-style homes dominate Phoenix's landscape, while Chicago boasts historic Greystones and bungalows. Chicago's higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores reflect its dense urban core, supported by a robust public transit system not as prevalent in Phoenix. Living in Chicago, you might find listings often emphasizing views of Lake Michigan or the presence of hardwood floors, elements that speak to the city's aesthetic and natural beauty. On the other hand, Phoenix's listings highlight pools and garages, amenities that cater to its warmer climate and car-centric culture.

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.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another often entails adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding how the climate in Phoenix, AZ compares to Chicago, IL is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide highlights the most significant weather differences to prepare you for your move.

Summer icon
106°F / 83°F

Phoenix, AZ

83°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 46°F

Phoenix, AZ

32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
8.03

Phoenix, AZ

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Phoenix, AZ

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPhoenixChicago
Air QualityModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Natural DisastersHeatwaves, Dust StormsSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When comparing the weather between Phoenix and Chicago, it's evident that the two cities offer vastly different climates. Phoenix is known for its extreme heat, particularly during the summer months, and low humidity levels throughout the year. In contrast, Chicago experiences a more variable climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The significant difference in the number of days of sunshine impacts not just daily life but also the prevalence of certain seasonal allergies. Adjusting to Chicago's winter from Phoenix's mild winters will require a significant wardrobe update. Moreover, the potential for different natural disasters, such as heatwaves in Phoenix and snowstorms in Chicago, necessitates a fresh approach to emergency preparedness.

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

If you're considering a move, it's crucial to weigh the financial implications of your new locale. This comparison between Phoenix, AZ and Chicago, IL aims to shed light on the cost of living , taxation , and housing , helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonPhoenixChicago
Avg. Household Income$68,435$66,576
Cost of Living Index100.7116.9
State Income Tax2.59 - 4.504.95 (flat)
Avg. Property Tax0.622.10
Avg. Sales Tax8.610.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, AerospaceFinance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateModerate to high
HomelessnessNotableSignificant

While Phoenix boasts a slightly higher average household income than Chicago, the difference in the cost of living and taxation can be significant depending on your financial situation. Chicago's state income tax applies at a flat rate, potentially affecting higher income brackets less than Arizona's progressive tax system. However, the average property tax rate in Chicago is substantially higher than in Phoenix, which could influence your housing decision. Both cities offer a vibrant economy with key industries that might align with your career goals, but Chicago's higher affluence and sales tax rate can impact your budget. Considering these factors can help you prepare financially for your move.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Chicago, IL, a key aspect to explore is the local demographics, particularly the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Phoenix & Chicago . This analysis aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the typical political and religious landscape of the residents in these cities.

PhoenixChicago
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsDiverse city councilDominantly Democratic city council
ReligionCatholic, Protestant, Other FaithsCatholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Others

In Phoenix, the political landscape tends to lean more conservative compared to Chicago's robustly liberal environment. This difference is reflected not only in the overarching political makeup but also in the composition of local politics, where Chicago boasts a dominantly Democratic city council. Regarding religion, both cities feature a diverse range of faiths, with a strong Catholic presence anchored by the Diocese of Phoenix and the Archdiocese of Chicago. However, Chicago exhibits a broader diversity with significant Jewish and Muslim communities alongside its Catholic and Protestant residents.

Phoenix vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL involves adjusting to new routines, especially when it comes to the daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Phoenix & Chicago is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like in these two cities.

ComparisonPhoenixChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2535
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

In Phoenix, you’ll find that getting around without a car can be challenging, as the city has a public transit score significantly lower than Chicago. In stark contrast, Chicago’s robust public transit system, including buses and the 'L' train, significantly improves your ability to traverse the city without a personal vehicle. Consequently, the average commute time in Chicago is longer, partly due to its higher population density and the broader use of public transportation. The higher traffic congestion score in Chicago also reflects this increased density, compared to Phoenix. Adjusting to these differences will be an essential part of your move.

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