($1,432) Movers From Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

What to know before moving from Chicago to Los Angeles

Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Chicago, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Los Angeles are 45% higher than in Chicago, which means you’ll have less 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 Los Angeles are 700.7% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Los Angeles is 4.8% higher than in Chicago, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 7.5% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family is the same in Los Angeles and Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 17.78% higher than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Los Angeles, since the city’s sales taxes in Los Angeles are 7.32% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,225.33 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Los Angeles

• Los Angeles's population is about 39% greater than Chicago.
• Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Los Angeles's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.81 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.19 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Los Angeles move

• Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
• 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 Los Angeles. 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.

Where to live in Los Angeles

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Angels", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources