($1,200+) Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,188 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,711 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,028 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,366, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,711 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,716 - $5,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,188 - $3,274.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,470 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Long Beach: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,470 - $7,155. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,028 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,028-mile route from Chicago to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,366 - $5,486 with full-service movers, $1,716 - $3,196 with a container, $1,188 - $2,364 with a rental truck, or $1,469 - $2,762 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,470 - $7,155 full-service, $2,199 - $4,705 by container, $1,392 - $2,729 by rental truck, or $1,706 - $3,621 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,246 - $10,711 full-service, $2,833 - $5,806 by container, $1,707 - $3,274 by rental truck, or $2,386 - $5,032 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,028-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Long Beach, California, with costs ranging from $2,366 - $10,711. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $385 - $2,568. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Long Beach. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,366 - $5,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,470 - $7,155
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,246 - $10,711
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Long Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,284 - $3,852 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,210 - $12,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $962 - $1,827 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $835 - $2,568 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $385 - $19,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $385 - $4,494+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Long Beach?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,716 and $5,806. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,716 - $3,196
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,199 - $4,705
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,833 - $5,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $899 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $96 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $193 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,716. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,199 - $4,705, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Long Beach?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,188 - $3,274 for a rental moving truck on the 2,028-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $829 - $947
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $2,364
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,707 - $3,274
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Long Beach looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,188 - $3,274. But once you factor in fuel ($829 - $947) , overnight lodging ($193/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $193 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $899 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,028-mile drive falls between $829 and $947, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $64 and $385 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Long Beach?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Long Beach, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,156 and $3,621.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,469 - $2,762
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,621
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,386 - $5,032
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $96 - $193 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $899.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 41.42/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 103 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 2,028-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Long Beach, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,366 - $10,711 on the 2,028-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,716 - $5,806, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,188 - $3,274. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,470 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Long Beach, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($829 - $947), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $193/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Long Beach, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,392 - $2,729. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
