($1,521) Movers From Chicago, IL to California

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to California

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Chicago, IL, to California

If you’re moving to California from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Chicago vs. California

• Rent is about 16% less expensive in California than in Chicago.
• Home prices are about 190.7% higher in California than in Chicago.
• The average income is about 25.9% higher in California than in Chicago.
• California has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 67.9%.
• Income taxes are 168.69% higher in California than in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago, IL, from California

• The population of California is approximately 1,321% greater than the population of Chicago.
• In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
• The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Chicago, it’s 84º F.
• During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Chicago gets down to 19º F.
• You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
• In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. California:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs California side-by-side.

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. California:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for California.

Other considerations when moving to California from Chicago

• Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
• 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
• Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in California

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Helpful moving resources