Moving from Atlanta to Chicago is a big change. Chicago is denser, colder, and operates on a faster rhythm — but for many, that’s exactly the appeal. Some make this move for career opportunities in finance, tech, or healthcare. Others want a fresh start in a city with world-class museums, legendary food, and one of the best urban waterfronts in America.
Regardless of the reason you’re considering the move, this guide will cover what to expect living in Atlanta vs. Chicago. We'll break down the cost of living in Chicago vs. Atlanta, explore key differences like weather and public transit, and walk through the logistics of getting your belongings to the Windy City.
Moving From Atlanta to Chicago: How Do They Compare?
Before diving into specifics, it helps to get a general overview comparing Atlanta and Chicago side by side. Here’s a quick high-level snapshot of the two.
Fast Facts: Atlanta vs. Chicago
Atlanta | Chicago | |
Population | ||
Median Age | ||
Climate | Humid subtropical | Humid continental |
Cost of Living | ||
Median Home Price | ||
Average Rent (1BR) |
When comparing Atlanta vs. Chicago, you’ll see Chicago’s population is roughly five times larger, which translates to a denser urban environment with walkable neighborhoods and a large public transit system. For someone accustomed to Atlanta's sprawling suburbs and highway-centric lifestyle, Chicago's compact city grid will feel notably different. You can actually live car-free in many Chicago neighborhoods — something nearly impossible in Atlanta.
What will you miss about Atlanta? The mild winters, definitely. You might also miss lower taxes and more accessible parking. But Chicago compensates with stunning lakefront parks, cozy neighborhoods, world-class food, and summer festivals that make the long winters worthwhile.
Cost of Living in Chicago vs. Cost of Living in Atlanta
If you’re moving from Atlanta to Chicago, the cost of living is probably top of mind. You can expect Chicago to run about 5–10% higher than Atlanta across most categories. Here's how that breaks down.
Illinois taxes are higher than Georgia's
Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, while Georgia's graduated rate tops out around 5.49% — roughly comparable. The real difference hits homeowners through property taxes: Illinois has one of the highest effective rates in the nation at approximately 1.8–2.2%, compared to Georgia's 0.77%. For instance, on a $350,000 home, you might pay $6,000–7,500 annually in Chicago versus only $2,800–$3,200 in Atlanta. This significantly affects the cost of living in Chicago for homeowners.
Groceries and utilities cost slightly more in Chicago
When it comes to everyday expenses, you can expect groceries in Chicago to be about 3% higher than Atlanta. Gas prices also tend to be higher due to Illinois's fuel taxes. Utilities vary seasonally — Chicago's brutal winters mean higher heating bills, while Atlanta's summers drive up air conditioning costs. The trade-off? If you embrace Chicago's public transit, you may drive far less than you did in Atlanta, which could offset some transportation costs. A monthly CTA pass runs about $75.
Rent runs higher in Chicago, but varies widely by neighborhood
A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,594 in Atlanta, while the average one-bedroom in Chicago is roughly $2,368. However, both cities offer a wide price range depending on location. In Chicago, neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and River North command premium prices, while areas like Rogers Park and Pilsen offer more affordable options. Taking your time to explore the best Chicago neighborhoods can help you find a spot that balances your budget with your lifestyle preferences.
Chicago home prices are lower than Atlanta's — but taxes can change the equation
Surprisingly, the median home price in Chicago (around $304,487) is actually lower than Atlanta's (around $379,908). However, those higher property taxes can significantly increase your true monthly housing costs. When comparing the cost of living in Atlanta vs. Chicago for homeowners, factor in both purchase price and the ongoing tax burden to get the full picture.
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or Atlanta?
The cost of living in Atlanta is generally cheaper than the cost of living in Chicago — about 15% less expensive overall. The biggest savings come from lower property taxes, slightly cheaper rent, and lower grocery costs. That said, Chicago salaries tend to run about 5–7% higher for comparable positions, which can help offset the increased expenses. Your personal situation — whether you rent or own, how much you drive, your shopping habits — will determine how much you actually feel the difference.
Is $90,000 a good salary in Chicago?
$90,000 is a solid salary in Chicago. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator and using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, a single adult needs approximately $51,752 annually to live comfortably in Chicago. At $90,000, you can afford a decent apartment in most neighborhoods, save money, and enjoy a few nights out without constant financial stress. That said, if you have a family or want to live in premium areas like River North, you'd need to budget carefully or earn more.
Ready to make the move to Chicago? Get a fast, free quote from Colonial. |
Chicago vs. Atlanta: Other Considerations
Beyond the financial picture, moving from Atlanta to Chicago involves significant lifestyle adjustments. Here's what else you should consider when comparing Chicago vs. Atlanta.
Chicago winters are dramatically colder and longer
This is probably the biggest adjustment when moving from Atlanta to Chicago. Atlanta winters are mild — snow occasionally falls, and when it does, the city tends to shut down. Chicago winters are serious. Average January highs hover around 30°F with regular snowfall and lake-effect wind, so you'll need a quality winter wardrobe. Also prepare for cold, grey days stretching November through March. The upside? Chicago summers are spectacular — summer heat, festivals, outdoor dining, and Lake Michigan beach days can all make up for it.
Chicago's public transit fundamentally changes how you get around
Atlanta has MARTA, its public transit bus and train system, but most Atlantans drive everywhere. Chicago's CTA (Chicago Transit Authority — comprising buses and the famous L trains), on the other hand, is a daily transit system that millions in the city rely on. Many Chicago residents don't own cars at all. A monthly unlimited CTA pass costs around $75 — far less than car payments, insurance, and gas. You can download the Transit app before your long-distance move to learn the routes.
Chicago offers world-class culture, food, and entertainment density
Looking at Chicago vs. Atlanta culturally, Chicago has the upper hand when it comes to its sheer density of options. The Art Institute is one of the world's great museums. The theater scene rivals New York. The food ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to legendary deep-dish pizza spots and neighborhood taquerias. Sports fans will find the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks — Chicagoans take their teams very seriously. For a deeper look, see our guide to moving to Chicago.
Chicago's job market is diverse and robust, with competitive salaries
Chicago anchors a massive regional economy with strengths in finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. The city is also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a thriving startup scene. If you're moving from Atlanta to Chicago for work, you'll find competitive salaries (typically 5–7% higher than Atlanta) and opportunity across industries.
Does Atlanta or Chicago have a higher crime rate?This question is complicated. Chicago reports a higher number of crimes due to its larger population, but when crime is measured per capita, Atlanta also has higher rates for several violent crimes. However, both cities have a mix of very safe neighborhoods and areas with elevated crime. If you’re planning to move, research specific neighborhoods before signing a lease and use common urban safety practices in either city. |
The Cost of Moving from Atlanta to Chicago
Beyond comparing day-to-day expenses, anyone moving from Atlanta to Chicago will need to budget for the move itself. You can generally expect to pay around $3500 - $4500 for full-service movers for the average two-bedroom home.
Still, keep in mind that the total price tag will depend on several individual factors, including how much stuff you're moving and when you're moving (summer moves cost more).
Top Options for Moving from Atlanta to Chicago
When moving out of state, you have two main options: handling it yourself with a rental truck or hiring professional movers. The roughly 720-mile distance between Atlanta and Chicago makes this decision particularly important.
DIY moving
Renting a truck and doing everything yourself is typically the cheapest option on paper. However, for a move like Atlanta to Chicago, you're looking at over 11 hours of driving (likely split across two days), overnight lodging, gas for a large truck, plus all the packing and loading. The physical toll and logistical complexity of a 700-mile DIY move shouldn't be underestimated.
Full-service moving
For a long-distance move like this, professional movers can really be worth the extra cost. Expert crews know how to pack fragile items securely, load trucks efficiently, and transport belongings safely across hundreds of miles. Many providers also include packing, furniture disassembly, storage, and other services.
Using a moving checklist can help you stay organized, whether you go DIY or hire pros, but the peace of mind from professional long-distance moving services is hard to beat for a move of this distance.
Make Your Move to Chicago With Confidence
Moving from Atlanta to Chicago means embracing a new climate, a new transit culture, and a city with its own distinct personality.
Once you've decided to make the move, your next step is to start prepping and packing. Colonial Van Lines can help. Our professionally trained movers handle the packing and loading with care, so you can feel confident your belongings will arrive safely at your new home in the Windy City. Get a fast, free moving quote today.