($1,233) Moving from Chicago to San Diego
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to San Diego costs $1,300 to $7,687 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 2,076-mile move yourself.
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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 San Diego to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to San Diego moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to San Diego 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 San Diego.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to San Diego?
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 | $1,233 - $5,114 | $1,274 - $3,157 | $1,250 - $2,412 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,288 - $7,687 | $2,116 - $4,229 | $1,300 - $2,842 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,292 - $11,039 | $3,109 - $6,194 | $1,641 - $3,275 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to San Diego
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 San Diego can be as low as $1,233 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,931.
- 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 $1,250 to $3,147. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to San Diego?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to San Diego will cost between $1,233 to $5,114. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,288 to $7,687, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to San Diego will cost from $6,292 to $11,039.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to San Diego?
Moving containers from Chicago to San Diego will cost you $1,274 to $3,157 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,116 to $4,229. A larger home will cost $3,109 to $6,194.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to San Diego?
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 $1,250 to $2,412. A larger move will cost $1,300 to $2,842, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to San Diego costs from $1,641 to $3,275. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to San Diego
Cost of living: Chicago vs San Diego
| Chicago | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $2,895 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $961,892 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $71,251 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $3,451 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $7,610 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 7.75% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 82% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in San Diego are 214.2% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in San Diego is 8.6% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 244.8% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 112.3% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 26.67% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in San Diego are 24.39% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $10,342.66 in San Diego 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 San Diego?
| San Diego | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 23.28 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 59.1 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Diego's population is about 49% less than Chicago.
- San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- San Diego is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- San Diego is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 23.28 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 59.1 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to San Diego
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- 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 San Diego. 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 |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
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 San Diego
Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
What to do in San Diego
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- San Diego Zoo
- The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
- SeaWorld San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
- La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
- Legoland
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Coronado Island
- North Park
- Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
- Seaport Village
- Belmont Park
- Pacific Beach
- Liberty Public Market
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Mexican Food
- Mission San Diego de Alcala
- Museum of US (Balboa Park)
- UCSD Stuart Art Collection
- San Diego Central Library
- Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Grant Hill Park
Get your sports on!
San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to San Diego?
The best time to move from Chicago to San Diego 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 San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to San Diego 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 San Diego take?
The 2,076-mile move from Chicago, IL, to San Diego, 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 San Diego.
