($1,189) Moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to San Francisco costs $1,279 to $7,146 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 2,130-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 Francisco to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to San Francisco moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to San Francisco 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 Francisco.
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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 Francisco?
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 | $1,189 - $5,025 | $1,221 - $2,967 | $1,157 - $2,442 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,258 - $7,146 | $2,088 - $4,265 | $1,279 - $2,823 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,235 - $11,176 | $2,806 - $5,589 | $1,564 - $3,528 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to San Francisco
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 Francisco can be as low as $1,189 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,409.
- 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 $1,157 to $3,004. 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 Francisco?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to San Francisco will cost between $1,189 to $5,025. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,258 to $7,146, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to San Francisco will cost from $6,235 to $11,176.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to San Francisco?
Moving containers from Chicago to San Francisco will cost you $1,221 to $2,967 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,088 to $4,265. A larger home will cost $2,806 to $5,589.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to San Francisco?
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 $1,157 to $2,442. A larger move will cost $1,279 to $2,823, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to San Francisco costs from $1,564 to $3,528. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Cost of living: Chicago vs San Francisco
| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $3,220 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $1,234,246 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $126,187 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $3,840 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $8,998 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.63% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 102% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in San Francisco are 303.2% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in San Francisco is 92.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 283.6% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 151.1% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 40.00% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco are 15.80% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in San Francisco are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $11,508.49 in San Francisco 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 Francisco?
| San Francisco | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,437 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 54.33 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 37.9 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Francisco's population is about 71% less than Chicago.
- San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- San Francisco's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 54.33 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- San Francisco is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 37.9 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to San Francisco
- Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
- 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 Francisco. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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 Francisco
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Golden Gate City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Francisco.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
What to do in San Francisco
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Alcatraz Island
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Golden Gate Park
- San Francisco's Chinatown
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- The Exploratorium
- California Academy of Science
- Twin Peaks
- Yerba Buena Gardens
- Legion of Honor Museum
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Mission District
- Union Square
- City Lights Booksellers and Publishers
- Asian Art Museum
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Lands End
Get your sports on!
San Francisco is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to San Francisco?
The best time to move from Chicago to San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to San Francisco 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 Francisco take?
The 2,130-mile move from Chicago, IL, to San Francisco, 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 Francisco.
