Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Sacramento typically costs $3,800–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,041 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Chicago to Sacramento
Moving from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA typically costs $3,800–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,041-mile move from Chicago to Sacramento, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,242 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $7,830 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,521 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Sacramento
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Sacramento may only cost $2,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,300–$3,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Sacramento movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Chicago to Sacramento
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Sacramento. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Sacramento
Many movers find Sacramento easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 27% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,656 for one person in Sacramento versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $6,191 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 7% less expensive in Sacramento than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 61% steeper in Sacramento compared to Chicago.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 10% greater in Sacramento than in Chicago, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Sacramento. The cost of living for a single person there is 27% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Sacramento can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 33% lower compared to Chicago.
- Sacramento has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 14%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 15% cheaper in Sacramento compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 169% more in California than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Sacramento.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Sacramento.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Sacramento
| Chicago | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 67 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento's population is about 81% less than Chicago.
- Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Sacramento is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Sacramento has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Sacramento's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.21 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Sacramento is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.79 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Sacramento move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sacramento. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Sacramento
With your sights set on Almond Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Sacramento. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Sacramento?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Sacramento. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Sacramento?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Sacramento? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Sacramento take?
The 2,041-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Sacramento, CA, takes six to 17 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 Sacramento.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
