Best Salt Lake City to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,442 mile move from Utah to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 45 Salt Lake City to Chicago moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 801 Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salt Lake City compared to Chicago. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Salt Lake City to Chicago Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1801 Moving Company9.439.49Authorized For HHG
2606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
4Best of Utah Moving Company9.358.73Authorized For Property, HHG
5You Move Me Salt Lake City9.278.96Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Salt Lake City to Chicago?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,442 miles from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL will cost on average $3,007 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salt Lake City to Chicago move is roughly $7,242. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,020300 ft³$6.73
1 Bedroom$3,007450 ft³$6.68
2 Bedrooms$4,975750 ft³$6.63
3 Bedrooms$7,2421100 ft³$6.58
4 Bedrooms$10,4531600 ft³$6.53
5+ Bedrooms$11,6701800 ft³$6.48
*Please note: These Utah to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Utah & Illinois. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed UT to IL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Salt Lake City guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salt Lake City to Chicago Movers

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

801 Moving Company Logo

801 Moving Company

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 382+ data points

3735 Redmaple Rd

Millcreek, UT, 84106

About 801 Moving Company

801 Moving Company has been serving the Salt Lake City Metro, UT area since 2008. Based in Salt Lake City, this...

Services

  • Packing services
  • Long-distance moves
  • Local moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4140953 / 1587673

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

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 moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

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

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

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
Best of Utah Moving Company Logo

Best of Utah Moving Company

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,351+ data points

10291 S 1300 E #142

Sandy, UT, 84094

About Best of Utah Moving Company

Best of Utah Moving Company is one of the top-rated local moving companies in Utah. It is fully licensed and insured...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Office moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2920944 / 1476153

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
You Move Me Salt Lake City Logo

You Move Me Salt Lake City

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 2,320+ data points

Woods Cross, UT, 84087

About You Move Me Salt Lake City

You Move Me Salt Lake City is a top-rated local moving company offering a wide range of services such as packing,...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/25/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3820939 / 1382615

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
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.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

When making a big move, familiarizing yourself with your new city can be daunting. This guide aims to ease the transition by comparing local neighborhoods between Salt Lake City, UT & Chicago, IL . We've matched the top neighborhoods in Salt Lake City with their Chicago counterparts to help you find your new home.

Salt Lake CityChicagoHow They're Similar
The AvenuesGold CoastHistorical charm, luxurious
Sugar HouseWicker ParkHip, vibrant community
9th & 9thAndersonvilleQuaint, diverse, trendy shops
DowntownThe LoopUrban center, cultural attractions
Liberty WellsLogan SquareResidential, artsy vibe
Capitol HillLincoln ParkGreen space, community feel
Harvard/YaleHyde ParkAcademic, historic architecture
FoothillRogers ParkDiverse, near water
East BenchLakeviewScenic, family-friendly
Marmalade DistrictBucktownCreative, lively nightlife

As you delve deeper into the character of these neighborhoods, notable local flavors emerge. In Wicker Park, you'll find similarities to Sugar House with its laid-back ambiance and unique boutiques like RSVP Gallery. Andersonville’s resemblance to 9th & 9th is uncanny, with a focus on independent businesses, such as the famous Women & Children First Bookstore. For those who enjoy the cultural and urban mix of Downtown Salt Lake City, the Loop in Chicago will impress you with landmarks like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. This side-by-side exploration reveals not just the physical similarities of these neighborhoods, but the heartbeat of communities that could soon feel like home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago

Making a move from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL invites a significant lifestyle change. It's crucial to weigh both sides to see how the perks and drawbacks balance out. This comparison aims to highlight an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, laying out what you gain versus what you might miss.

CONs
PROs
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • Smaller city feel
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Lower nightlife variety
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant urban life
  • World-class dining
  • Rich entertainment scene
  • Extensive transit network
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Less access to nature
  • Higher crime rates
  • More impersonal
  • Higher cost of living
Salt Lake City, UT iconSalt Lake City, UT
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Lower crime rates
  • Friendly community
  • Lower living costs

Moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago means trading the proximity to outdoor adventures in places like Zion National Park for the urban gardens and parks such as Millennium Park and its iconic "Bean." You'll swap the casual, low-key nightlife for a city that boasts some of the best jazz clubs in the country, such as the Green Mill. Dining out transforms as well; Chicago's culinary scene offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants like Alinea to the deep-dish pizzas that make Chicago world-famous. However, it's important to note the shift from the more intimate community feel of Salt Lake City to the bustling, sometimes impersonal, vibes of city living in Chicago. Life in Chicago isn't just about the higher pace—it's about embracing a diverse, culturally rich environment that may come with a higher price tag but promises an enriching lifestyle change.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Food Guide

When you're planning a move, it's essential to consider how the local food scene can influence your lifestyle and happiness. Food is a significant part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. For those considering relocating, we'll provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Salt Lake City & Chicago so you can be better informed about the food options awaiting you in your new city.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Most iconic local food item
Fry Sauce
Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dish
Utah Scones
Italian Beef
Most popular street food item
Breakfast Burritos
Chicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan food
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Vegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Red Iguana
  • Hire's Big H
  • Siegfried's Delicatessen
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Salt Lake City, the unique blend of contemporary and traditional foods makes for an exciting culinary experience. For instance, Red Iguana’s vibrant Mexican dishes highlight the city’s love for diverse flavors, while Hire's Big H takes you back to American diner classics. Conversely, in Chicago, the iconic deep-dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's offers a taste of the city’s rich food heritage. Chicago’s food trucks and street foods, especially the Chicago-style hot dog, provide a deep dive into the city’s bustling urban vibe. Whether you crave the soothing taste of vegan deep dish pizza or the tangy bite of a classic hot dog, Chicago’s neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park are gourmand paradises waiting to be explored.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city often means finding your new favorite spots to eat. This guide does exactly that, using Salt Lake City to Chicago restaurant comparison , to help you find your next go-to eateries. By matching top restaurants from your current city with their Chicago equivalents, settling in might just become a delicious adventure.

Salt Lake CityChicagoWhat You'll Love
Valter's OsteriaMonteverdeBoth offer exquisite Italian dishes with a personal touch.
Red IguanaFrontera GrillRenowned for authentic Mexican flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
The Copper OnionGirl & The GoatInnovative dishes that push the boundaries of American cuisine.
Ruth's DinerLou Mitchell'sA classic diner experience with a long history and hearty meals.
MazzaReza's RestaurantBoth specialize in Middle Eastern cuisine with an authentic taste.
Lucky 13Au ChevalFamous for their burgers, promising a gourmet experience.
TakashiMomotaroPremier Japanese dining, focusing on sushi and unique flavors.
PalletThe PublicanKnown for their focus on farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed setting.
Settebello PizzeriaSpataro’s PizzeriaAuthentic Neapolitan pizza with a focus on quality ingredients.
Hires Big HPortillo'sIconic for their burgers and hot dogs, offering a taste of tradition.

When it comes to finding a dining experience similar to what you've enjoyed in Salt Lake City, Chicago's vibrant restaurant scene is well-equipped to cater to your tastes. For example, those who loved the authentic Italian meals at Valter's Osteria will feel right at home in Monteverde’s inviting atmosphere, where the pasta is hand-crafted and the ingredients are thoughtfully sourced. Fans of the iconic Red Iguana will find solace in Frontera Grill’s equally compelling Mexican cuisine, where the dishes burst with authentic flavors. Meanwhile, lovers of The Copper Onion’s innovative approach to American cuisine will discover a fresh favorite in Girl & The Goat, where the menu is both adventurous and grounded in familiar comfort. Chicago's diverse culinary landscape ensures that every Salt Lake City transplant finds a spot that feels like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide compares Salt Lake City, UT and Chicago, IL , focusing on housing characteristics that matter most to newcomers.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Typical Architecture Style
Prairie, Victorian
Prairie, Chicago School
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Mountain views, private yards
Lake views, proximity to public transit

While Salt Lake City's housing market typically offers properties with more space and mountain views, its median home price is surprisingly higher than Chicago's. Chicago, on the other hand, is renowned for its rich architectural history and urban vibes, having a higher walkability score. The demand in Chicago for lake views and proximity to an extensive public transit system like the Chicago Transit Authority reflects the city's dense, urban layout. This contrast underlines the varied lifestyles and preferences catered to by each city's real estate market.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lakeview : You'll love Lakeview's abundance of dog parks and pet-friendly cafes, making it a haven for pet owners.

2. Logan Square : With its sprawling green spaces and community events that welcome pets, Logan Square is perfect for you and your furry friend.

3. West Loop : The West Loop is dotted with pet-friendly apartments and outdoor restaurant patios, where you and your pet can enjoy the vibrant city life together.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your daily life might change with the weather. In comparing Salt Lake City and Chicago, this guide aims to present how the weather conditions and environmental factors will differ, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new surroundings.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Snowstorms, Tornados
Air Quality
Moderate
Moderate to Unhealthy
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

90F / 62F
85F / 65F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

37F / 22F
32F / 18F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

16.1"
36.89"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

56.2"
36"


When moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago, the immediate differences you'll notice are in the humidity and the winter temperatures. Salt Lake City has drier air year-round, which can be a significant change from Chicago's higher humidity levels. Despite Chicago having a reputation for cold winters, Salt Lake City experiences a similar chill but with much more snowfall, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. One aspect to remember is the number of sunshine days; Salt Lake City outshines Chicago, which might affect your outdoor activities and mood. Additionally, the types of natural disasters and allergens differ due to the geographical and climatic differences between the two cities, necessitating some adjustments in preparedness and health care approaches.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salt Lake City to Chicago

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to provide a deeper insight into how living costs, taxes, and the overall economy between Salt Lake City and Chicago might affect your finances. It's essential to grasp these differences to plan effectively for your relocation.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Avg. Household Income
$66,658
$66,576
Cost of Living Index
100.6
116.9
State Income Tax
4.95
4.95
Avg. Property Tax
0.68
2.10
Avg. Sales Tax
7.18
10.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Tourism, Education
Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Low
Moderate
Homelessness
Moderate
High

Relocating from Salt Lake City to Chicago, it's essential to prepare for a potential adjustment in your financial plans. The average household income is notably lower in Chicago, which may influence your budgeting. However, this discrepancy could be counterbalanced by opportunities in Chicago's top industries like Finance and Manufacturing. Another significant financial factor is Chicago's higher average sales and property taxes, which can impact your overall cost of living. Understanding these differences can lead to a smoother transition and help you make informed decisions about your relocation.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

In this guide, we offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot designed to help you understand the comparison of the politics between Salt Lake City & Chicago . This comparison aims to provide insights into the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities, assisting you in getting a feel for your potential new community.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Political Make-up
Moderate, with liberal leanings in urban areas
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Focus on local governance, community development
Highly active, wide range of policies including public education and healthcare improvements
Religion
Largely Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) influence
Diverse, with a significant Catholic population

When you move from Salt Lake City to Chicago, you'll experience a shift not only in the political landscape but also in the religious composition of the community. Salt Lake City’s political environment, though moderate, is significantly influenced by the presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Meanwhile, Chicago's political scene is characterized by its firm Democratic inclination and active local politics focusing on a broad spectrum of policies from public education to healthcare, reflecting the city's diverse socioeconomic makeup. The religious scenery also transitions from the predominantly Latter-Day Saints community in Salt Lake City to a more varied religious landscape in Chicago, where Catholicism plays a significant role alongside other faiths. This mosaic of political and religious backgrounds contributes to the rich cultural tapestry that defines life in Chicago.

Salt Lake City vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

As you consider moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Chicago, IL, it's vital to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salt Lake City & Chicago will prepare you for the changes in your daily travel.

Salt Lake City
Chicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
34
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
8 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
It's challenging
Yes, with more ease

Moving from Salt Lake City, where the average commute time is around 22 minutes, to Chicago, which sees an average of 34 minutes, will significantly impact your daily schedule. Chicago's higher traffic congestion level reflects its larger population and denser urban environment. However, the silver lining in this transition is the enhanced availability and efficiency of public transit in Chicago. Here, the reliance on a personal vehicle is reduced, thanks to a more comprehensive transit system, including buses, trains, and bike-sharing programs, making it easier for you to adapt to a car-free lifestyle if you choose.

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