($1,167+) Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $1,167 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,945 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,012 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 $2,200, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,945 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,529 - $5,433, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,167 - $3,150.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,195 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Moving options from Chicago to Santa Clarita fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,195 - $6,668 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 62% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,012 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,012-mile route from Chicago to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,200 - $4,991, container $1,529 - $2,873, rental truck $1,167 - $2,271, freight trailer $1,447 - $2,640.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,195 - $6,668, container $2,038 - $4,069, rental truck $1,214 - $2,704, freight trailer $1,550 - $3,389.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,047 - $9,945, container $2,933 - $5,433, rental truck $1,609 - $3,150, freight trailer $2,257 - $4,528.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,012-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California, with costs ranging from $2,200 - $9,945. 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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,200 - $4,991
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,195 - $6,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,047 - $9,945
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 Santa Clarita.
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 Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $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 Santa Clarita?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage 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 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $1,529 and $5,433. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,529 - $2,873
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,933 - $5,433
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $899, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $96 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $193 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Santa Clarita, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,529. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,038 - $4,069.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Santa Clarita?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,012 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California, running $1,167 - $3,150. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $822 - $939
- 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 Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,167 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,214 - $2,704
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,150
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,167 - $3,150 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Santa Clarita. Fuel ($822 - $939), lodging at around $193/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $96 and $449.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $193.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $822 and $939 for the 2,012-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 $899 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, 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 $3,389.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,447 - $2,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,389
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,257 - $4,528
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 $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 Santa Clarita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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 Santa Clarita 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: Chicago, IL vs Santa Clarita, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Clarita, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Santa Clarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $3,295/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $722,430 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $119,926/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 64.08/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 314 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 2,012-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,012-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA, run $2,200 - $9,945 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,529 - $5,433, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,167 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,195, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, 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 $1,214 - $2,704. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,167 to $9,945, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,200 and $9,945, 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 4 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 Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Santa Clarita run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.