($1,250) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to San Francisco

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to San Francisco typically costs between $1,250 and $4,977. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,291 and $7,429 when moving from Chicago to San Francisco. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to San Francisco, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,421 up to $10,746.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to San Francisco

If you’re relocating from Chicago to San Francisco, you’ll typically spend between $1,185 and $2,879 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,193 up to $4,308. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,748 and $5,648. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to San Francisco

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to San Francisco move, 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, expect to pay between $1,205 and $2,372. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,240 to $2,657. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,662 and $3,290.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 59% higher in San Francisco than in Chicago, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 320% higher in San Francisco than in Chicago.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 91% higher in San Francisco than in Chicago, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between San Francisco and Chicago, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
• Relocating to San Francisco could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 6% lower than in Chicago.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 40% lower than Chicago, San Francisco boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 16% lower in San Francisco than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

• San Francisco’s population is about 71% less than Chicago.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Chicago’s 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.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 61.41 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% 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 38.59 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Francisco without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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.

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

Things to do in San Francisco

Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore San Francisco. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Francisco include museums and art centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.