Local moving companies in San Jose
Out of 80 San Jose movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 1922488
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers , Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in San Jose, CA
At a glance, the number of San Jose movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from San Jose, CA to Illinois
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from San Jose to Illinois with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,237 – $4,857 | $1,154 – $2,946 | $1,217 – $2,371 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,344 – $7,499 | $2,178 – $4,278 | $1,304 – $2,767 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,079 – $11,461 | $2,901 – $5,897 | $1,580 – $3,323 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,107-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Illinois typically costs between $1,237 and $4,857. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,344 and $7,499. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,079 up to $11,461.
Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Illinois
If you’re relocating from San Jose to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $1,154 and $2,946 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,178 up to $4,278. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,901 and $5,897. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from San Jose.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Jose to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from San Jose to Illinois, expect to pay between $1,217 and $2,371. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,304 to $2,767. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,580 and $3,323.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Jose to IL
The cost of a move in San Jose can change based 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: Peak summer months in San Jose often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from San Jose to IL
Relocating from San Jose to Illinois could mean a change in lifestyle and might also help you save some money. The cost of living in San Jose is generally higher, so moving could provide a chance for more budget-friendly living.
Explore the detailed cost of living analysis below to see how San Jose fares against Illinois, so you’re well-prepared for what’s next.
Compare cost of living: San Jose vs. Illinois
| San Jose, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,095 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $1,453,657 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 231 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 62% lower in Illinois than in San Jose, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- In Illinois, home prices are about 83% lower than in San Jose, easing your mortgage burden.
- Incomes in Illinois are around 6% below those in San Jose, which could mean tightening your budget.
- The cost of living is around 61% lower in Illinois than in San Jose, freeing up money for savings or lifestyle upgrades.
- The unemployment rate in Illinois is around 20% lower than in San Jose, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Illinois’s income tax rates are about 63% lower than California’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in San Jose, CA from Illinois
When planning a move from San Jose to Illinois, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the San Jose behind for life in Illinois.
| San Jose, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 17″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both San Jose and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 82ºF in San Jose. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Colder winters await in Illinois, where lows average 17ºF, compared to San Jose at 42ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- Get ready for 40 inches of rain annually in Illinois—a noticeable increase over 17 inches in San Jose. Expect lusher surroundings and wetter days, so pack your rain gear and adjust routines.
- Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while San Jose sees none. Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Illinois has a lower crime index of 19.7 versus San Jose at 47.73, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re relocating from San Jose to Illinois, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact 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, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Illinois has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from San Jose to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from San Jose, CA, to Illinois ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take six to 17 days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in San Jose offer custom-built crate services?
69 movers in San Jose list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a San Jose mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from San Jose to Illinois?
Need to ship your car from San Jose to Illinois? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from California to Illinois.
Why are people moving from San Jose to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Jose?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Jose.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from San Jose, CA?
THere are currently, 24 movers in San Jose that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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