($1,208) Movers From Illinois to San Francisco

Quick answer: The cost to move from Illinois to San Francisco, CA averages from $1,379 to $7,101 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional Illinois 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 San Francisco, CA to Illinois guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Moving from Illinois to San Francisco, CA resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Illinois to San Francisco, CA.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best Illinois to San Francisco, CA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Illinois to San Francisco, CA.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Illinois to San Francisco, CA car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 2,075 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Illinois to San Francisco, CA moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois 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 Illinois to San Francisco.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from Illinois to San Francisco, CA?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to San Francisco for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,208 - $4,868 $1,214 - $2,976 $1,164 - $2,341
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,492 - $7,101 $2,073 - $4,229 $1,379 - $2,814
4+ bedrooms $6,610 - $10,598 $3,050 - $5,773 $1,607 - $3,516

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,075 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 Illinois to San Francisco, CA 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 Illinois, 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 letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to San Francisco?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to San Francisco will cost between $1,208 to $4,868. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Illinois to San Francisco will range from $3,492 to $7,101, and a large move from Illinois to San Francisco will cost from $6,610 to $10,598.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to San Francisco?

Moving containers from Illinois to San Francisco will cost you $1,214 to $2,976 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,073 to $4,229. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,050 to $5,773.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to San Francisco.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to San Francisco?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Illinois to San Francisco, 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 $1,164 to $2,341. A larger move will cost $1,379 to $2,814, and a four-bedroom or more move from Illinois to San Francisco costs from $1,607 to $3,516. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Illinois.

Is moving from Illinois to San Francisco, CA a good idea?

Cost of living: Illinois vs San Francisco, CA

Illinois San Francisco
Average rent cost $1,038 $3,220
Average home value $249,224 $1,234,246
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $126,187
Unemployment rate 5% 5%
State income tax 5% 13%
  • Rent is about 210% more expensive in San Francisco than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 395% higher in San Francisco than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 61% higher in San Francisco than in Illinois.
  • San Francisco has a higher unemployment rate than Illinois by about 17%.
  • Income taxes are 169% higher in San Francisco than in Illinois.

How is life different in San Francisco from Illinois?

San Francisco Illinois
Population 808,437 12,582,032
Political leaning Democratic 85-13 Democrat 58-41
Summer high 67ºF 86ºF
Winter low 46ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 25" 40"
Annual snow 0" 22"
Crime index 54.33 18.79
  • The population of San Francisco is approximately 94% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, San Francisco voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in San Francisco is 67ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, San Francisco reaches the temperature of 46ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 25 inches of annual rainfall in San Francisco vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In San Francisco, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • San Francisco has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 54.33 vs 18.79.

Considerations for moving to San Francisco, CA

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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.
  • Mover's 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 Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

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

Need a local San Francisco mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Luigy's Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112
(415) 413-4646
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
(415) 544-7000

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

What to do in San Francisco?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Francisco.

Museums in San Francisco

  • Exploratorium
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Walt Disney Family Museum
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • Legion of Honor
  • Cable Car Museum
  • de Young Museum
  • Musee Mecanique
  • Asian Art Museum
  • USS Pampanito
  • SS Jeremiah O'Brien
  • San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
  • The Gregangelo Museum
  • Wells Fargo Museum
  • Madame Tussauds

Parks in San Francisco

  • Golden Gate Park
  • Presidio of San Francisco
  • Mission Dolores Park
  • Crissy Field
  • Yerba Buena Gardens
  • Aquatic Park
  • Children's Creativity Museum
  • Washington Square
  • Lafayette Park
  • Marina Green
  • Grand View Park
  • Levi's Plaza Park
  • Buena Vista Park
  • Corona Heights
  • Fort Mason, the Great Meadow

Sports Teams in San Francisco

  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)

Universities in San Francisco

  • City College of San Francisco
  • San Francisco State University
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • Academy of Art University
  • Alliant International University, formerly California School of Professional Psychology
  • Art Institute of California - San Francisco
  • Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
  • California College of the Arts
  • California Institute of Integral Studies
  • The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
  • Golden Gate University
  • Heald College
  • Hult International Business School
  • Minerva Schools at KGI
  • Presidio Graduate School
  • San Francisco Art Institute
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • San Francisco Law School
  • San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking
  • Saybrook University
  • University of San Francisco, Jesuit-run

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to San Francisco?

Because of the 2075-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to San Francisco as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Francisco, CA?

With the summer highs of 67ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to San Francisco from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to San Francisco during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from San Francisco?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about San Francisco, CA