Fact Checked by: Quick answer: For a 2,127-mile move from San Francisco to Chicago, expect to spend around $1,602–$9,135 and six to 17 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to San Francisco guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from San Francisco to Chicago
Choosing a long-distance moving company in San Francisco to go to Chicago can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to IL move
Local moving companies in San Francisco
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Chicago?
San Francisco movers charge $150 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,504 - $6,117 | $1,515 - $3,681 | $1,570 - $2,827 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,421 - $9,135 | $2,695 - $5,453 | $1,602 - $3,434 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,729 - $13,594 | $3,624 - $7,003 | $2,062 - $4,080 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Illinois, you can expect prices to land between $1,504 and $6,117. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,421 to $9,135 for the trip from CA to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,729 and $13,594.
Cost of moving containers from California to Illinois
Moving from California to Illinois? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,515 and $3,681. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,695 to $5,453. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,624 up to $7,003. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,570 and $2,827. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,602 to $3,434. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,062 and $4,080.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Chicago
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Chicago
Moving from San Francisco to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Francisco compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 37% lower than in San Francisco, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 76.2% lower than in San Francisco. - Income in Chicago is 47.6% lower than in San Francisco, 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 3.5% lower than in San Francisco.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 6.3% higher than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 66.67% higher than in San Francisco.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 18.77% higher than what you are paying in San Francisco.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.78% lower than in San Francisco.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,894.47 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Chicago
| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 808,988 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 99 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 61.41 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 38.59 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Chicago is about 239% greater than San Francisco, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Chicago without a car might be more difficult than in San Francisco. Chicago has a public transportation score of 9 out of 10, whereas San Francisco is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Chicago neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Francisco. Based on its score of 77 out of 100, Chicago isn't as walkable as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Chicago, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Francisco. While San Francisco has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, Chicago earned a 72. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Chicago has a lower crime rate than San Francisco based on scores of 35.19 and San Francisco's 61.41, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than San Francisco, whose index is 38.59. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Chicago has better air quality than in San Francisco. Chicago has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Francisco. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular 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
Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Chicago You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from San Francisco to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Chicago take?
The 2,127-mile journey from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in San Francisco offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.
