($1,302+) Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,405 to $11,797, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,302 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,117 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 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 Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Modesto to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,405 - $11,797 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,150, 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 2,117 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,117-mile route from Modesto to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,405 - $5,588 | $1,767 - $3,332 | $1,201 - $2,343 | $1,575 - $2,792 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,437 - $8,107 | $2,287 - $4,810 | $1,437 - $2,905 | $1,794 - $3,554 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,649 - $11,797 | $3,198 - $5,943 | $1,693 - $3,630 | $2,510 - $4,854 |
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 Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,405 and $11,797. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,117-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $336 - $2,240, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Modesto and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,405 - $5,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,437 - $8,107
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,649 - $11,797
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 Modesto 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: 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 Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto 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 | $560 - $5,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $224 - $1,344/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $336 - $2,688 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers | $1,120 - $3,360 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,800 - $11,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $839 - $1,594 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $1,120 - $2,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $896 - $3,920 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $336 - $1,680 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $728 - $2,240 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $336 - $16,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $336 - $3,920+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,767 and $5,943. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Modesto adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,767 - $3,332
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,287 - $4,810
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,198 - $5,943
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Modesto, CA and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $784 in Modesto, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $168 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,767. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,287 - $4,810, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
- Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,117 miles from Modesto, California, to Chicago, Illinois, running $1,201 - $3,630. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $754 - $862
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,201 - $2,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,437 - $2,905
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,630
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,201 - $3,630 when pricing out a rental truck from Modesto to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($754 - $862) , and overnight lodging ($168/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $754 - $862 for the 2,117-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $784.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,117-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $168 per night, adding $336 - $504 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $56 and $336.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto 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 Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Modesto, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,794 and $3,554.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,575 - $2,792
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,794 - $3,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,510 - $4,854
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Modesto, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $784.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $168 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto 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.
- Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal 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: Modesto, CA vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Modesto: cost of living index of 106 versus 116, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,800/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Modesto, 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 2,117-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Modesto, CA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,405 for a studio to $11,797 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,117-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,767 - $5,943. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,201 - $3,630, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,437 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
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 Modesto, CA, to Chicago, IL
How much does it cost to move from Modesto, CA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,405 to $11,797, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,405 and $11,797, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Modesto?
Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/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 do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
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 Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
