($1,196) Moving from Chicago to Irvine

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Irvine costs $1,285 to $7,358 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,013-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Irvine to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Irvine moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Irvine is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Irvine.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Irvine?

Chicago movers charge $100 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 $1,196 - $4,598 $1,248 - $3,001 $1,163 - $2,358
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,484 - $7,358 $2,201 - $4,180 $1,285 - $2,725
4+ bedrooms $6,151 - $10,975 $2,870 - $5,757 $1,621 - $3,303
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,013 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Irvine

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Irvine can be as low as $1,196 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,776.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,163 to $3,077. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Irvine?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Irvine will cost between $1,196 to $4,598. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,484 to $7,358, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Irvine will cost from $6,151 to $10,975.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Irvine?

Moving containers from Chicago to Irvine will cost you $1,248 to $3,001 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,201 to $4,180. A larger home will cost $2,870 to $5,757.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Irvine?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,163 to $2,358. A larger move will cost $1,285 to $2,725, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Irvine costs from $1,621 to $3,303. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Irvine

Cost of living: Chicago vs Irvine

Chicago Irvine
Average rent cost $1,595 $4,600
Average home value $306,098 $1,345,447
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $114,027
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $991
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,560
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.4%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.75%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Irvine are 188% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Irvine are 339.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Irvine is 73.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Irvine and Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Irvine and Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Irvine is 40.00% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Irvine are 24.39% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Irvine are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,970.03 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Irvine?

Irvine Chicago
Population 307,670 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 43 77
Bike friendliness score 69 72
Crime Index 23.07 35.19
Safety Index 76.93 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Irvine's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
  • Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Irvine is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Irvine is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Irvine's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 23.07 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 23.07% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Irvine is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 76.93 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Irvine

  • Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Irvine. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Irvine

Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Irvine.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Westpark
  • Westpark II
  • Oak Creek
  • Woodbridge
  • University Park

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Westpark II
  • Turtle Rock
  • Woodbridge
  • South Irvine
  • Northwood Point

What to do in Irvine

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Irvine Spectrum Center
  • Pretend City Children's Museum
  • Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
  • Tanaka Farms
  • San Joaquin Wildlife Santuary
  • Orange County Great Park
  • Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center
  • FivePoint Amphitheater
  • Adventure Playground
  • William R. Mason Regional Park
  • Bommer Canyon Trails
  • K1 Speed Irvine
  • Boomers Irvine

Get your sports on!

Irvine is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Irvine?

The best time to move from Chicago to Irvine is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Irvine?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Irvine in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Irvine take?

The 2,013-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Irvine, CA, takes six-seventeen days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Irvine.

Helpful moving resources