Thinking of Moving to Chicago? This New Study Says… Good Luck
If you’ve ever tried to move into a major city, you already know it’s not exactly a spa day. Boxes everywhere. Traffic everywhere. That one friend who says they’ll help but suddenly “has a thing.”
Now, a new study from Stairhopper Movers looked at 47 major U.S. cities and ranked them by how stressful they are to move to. Researchers factored in cost of living, housing market competitiveness, traffic congestion, rush-hour delays, and even moving company ratings.
Let’s just say… some cities are a lot easier on your blood pressure than others.
What Makes a City Stressful to Move To?
The study found that high monthly living costs, heavy traffic congestion, and competitive housing markets dramatically increase moving stress.
Think shorter “days on market” for homes, longer rush-hour delays, and higher overall expenses. Stack all that together, and your moving day starts feeling like an endurance sport.
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America’s Least Stressful Cities to Move To
On the flip side, El Paso ranked as the least stressful city to relocate to, thanks to lower monthly living costs ($1,767) and a low overall stress score. Memphis and Tulsa followed closely behind, with lighter traffic and moderate housing markets making moves more manageable.
Less congestion. Lower costs. Fewer headaches.
And the Most Stressful City to Move To Is…
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Chicago.
According to the study, Chicago earned a Moving Stress Score of 99.98 out of 100. With monthly living costs around $3,676, 31% traffic congestion, and 65 annual hours lost in rush-hour delays, it topped the list as America’s most stressful city to move to.
Shocking? Not exactly.
Between traffic, housing pressure, and higher costs, it’s a tough combo. Which might explain why some folks look a little west toward places like Rockford when it’s time for a change.
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Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon