$1,165 Movers From Chicago, IL to California
Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to California averages from $1,292 to $7,287, and can take anywhere from six-seventeen days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.
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Moving 2,139 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Chicago, IL guide.
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The best Chicago to California moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Chicago to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Chicago and 267 throughout the Golden State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL, to California?
Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Chicago to California:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,165 - $4,882 | $1,150 - $2,849 | $1,205 - $2,302 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,192 - $7,287 | $2,151 - $4,221 | $1,292 - $2,685 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,235 - $11,068 | $3,037 - $6,001 | $1,629 - $3,562 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,139 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to California 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.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL, to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to California will cost between $1,165 to $4,882. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to CA will range from $3,192 to $7,287. A large move from Chicago to California will cost anywhere from $6,235 to $11,068.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL, to California?
Moving pods from Chicago to California will cost you $1,150 to $2,849. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,151 to $4,221. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,037 to $6,001. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to California.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL, to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,205 to $2,302. A larger move will cost $1,292 to $2,685, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to California costs from $1,629 to $3,562.
Is moving from Chicago, IL, to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL, vs California
| Chicago, IL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $306,098 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 22% more expensive in California than in Chicago.
- Home prices are about 186.6% higher in California than in Chicago.
- The average income is about 33.5% 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 is life different in Chicago, IL, from California?
| Chicago, IL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 7" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 28.43 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- 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.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious food | Pleasant weather |
| Abundant entertainment | Abundant recreational options |
| Intense sports culture | High quality of life |
| Ample economic opportunity | Fresh and healthy foods |
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.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Temperamental weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| Terrible traffic | Natural disasters |
| High taxes | Terrible traffic |
| Pollution | Strange laws |
Considerations for moving to California
- 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.
Looking for local Chicago movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What 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.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Griffith Observatory
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Norton Simon Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Tallac Historic Site
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- Oakland Museum of California
- March Field Air Museum
- Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
- MacKerricher State Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Greystone Mansion and Park
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
- Serra Cross Park
- Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Palisades Park
- Irvine Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Northridge
FAQs: Moving from Chicago to California
What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to California?
Need to get your car from Chicago to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to California car shippers.
Why are people moving from Chicago to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
