($1,285) Cost to Move From Lancaster, CA to Chicago, IL

1. Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
2. Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
3. Elite Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. Gentlemen’s Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Lancaster to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lancaster to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,285 and $4,658. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,405 to $7,127 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Lancaster to Chicago typically runs between $6,239 and $10,495.

Cost of moving containers from Lancaster to Chicago

When moving from Lancaster to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,114 and $2,701. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,105 to $3,955. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,801 up to $5,447. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Lancaster is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,188 and $2,291. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,175 and $2,674. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,483 and $3,021.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 21% lower in Chicago than in Lancaster, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 37% lower in Chicago than in Lancaster.
• The average income in Chicago and Lancaster is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 44% more than in Lancaster. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 67% more than it is in Lancaster.
• Chicago experiences an unemployment rate that is about 42% lower than that of Lancaster. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Chicago and Lancaster (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 63% lower in Illinois compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Chicago’s population is about 1483% greater than Lancaster.
• Chicago has a public transportation score of 9 out of 10, while Lancaster has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
• Chicago is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Lancaster’s 29 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Lancaster with a score of 35.19 compared to Lancaster’s 45.5. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 33.87 vs Lancaster’s 54.5.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Lancaster it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it’s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.