Best overall value
Local moving companies in Los Angeles
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Prof Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Transparent pricing
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Inaccurate estimates
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0191020
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2365576
Alternate Names: Move Central Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Misplaced or lost items
Company Info
State license #: 0191695
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3052150
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Chicago
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Chicago
Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 31% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 87.5% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Chicago is 4.6% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago — including U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 7.0% lower than in Los Angeles.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Chicago and Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 15.09% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 7.89% higher than what you are paying in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.78% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,790.41 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 3,820,914 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 53.81 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 46.19 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 28% less than Los Angeles.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's lower score of 8.
- Chicago is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 35.19 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 33.87 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
Ready to relocate to Chi-Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once you're settled into your new home in Illinois, it's time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Los Angeles to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Chicago moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Chicago take?
Covering 2,015 miles, the move from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL typically takes six to 17 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chicago can help bridge the gap.
