($1,174+) Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,361 to $11,846, with an average cost of $4,200. Moves can be as low as $1,174 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,968 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Fontana to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,361 - $11,846 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,968 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,968-mile route from Fontana to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,361 - $5,318, container $1,632 - $3,252, rental truck $1,127 - $2,173, freight trailer $1,409 - $2,955.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,517 - $7,752, container $2,218 - $4,338, rental truck $1,246 - $2,831, freight trailer $1,671 - $3,505.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,753 - $11,846, container $2,890 - $5,788, rental truck $1,652 - $3,467, freight trailer $2,219 - $4,677.
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 Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,968-mile move from Fontana, California, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $1,361 - $11,846. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $341 - $2,276 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fontana and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fontana movers tend to run around $259 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,361 - $5,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,517 - $7,752
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,753 - $11,846
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 Fontana to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Fontana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $569 - $5,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $228 - $1,366/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,731 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,138 - $3,414 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,845 - $11,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $852 - $1,619 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $1,138 - $2,845 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $910 - $3,983 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $341 - $1,707 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $740 - $2,276 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,983+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fontana, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,632 and $5,788. 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 Fontana typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,632 - $3,252
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,218 - $4,338
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,890 - $5,788
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $85 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $171 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $797 in Fontana, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Illinois 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 $1,632. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,218 - $4,338, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fontana to Chicago?
- 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:
- Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,968 miles from Fontana, California, to Chicago, Illinois, running $1,127 - $3,467. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $713 - $814
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Fontana to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,127 - $2,173
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,246 - $2,831
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,652 - $3,467
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,127 - $3,467 when pricing out a rental truck from Fontana to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($713 - $814) , and overnight lodging ($171/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $85 and $398.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $171.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $713 and $814 for the 1,968-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $797 for 2 movers in Fontana, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana to Chicago?
- 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 Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fontana, California, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,671 and $3,505.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,409 - $2,955
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,219 - $4,677
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $85 - $171 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 Fontana, California, typically costs $797.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Fontana, CA vs Chicago, IL
Fontana and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 119 in Fontana and 106 in Chicago, and rent tracks closely too ($3,000/mo vs. $2,045/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (37 vs 77) and safety scores (68.35 vs 33.87) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Fontana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,968-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,968-mile route from Fontana, CA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,361 - $11,846 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,632 - $5,788, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,127 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,517, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Chicago, IL
How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,361 to $11,846, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,361 and $11,846, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL?
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 do local movers charge in Fontana?
Local movers based in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Fontana, CA to Chicago, IL 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 are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
