($1,249+) Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL Movers

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The cost to move from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,312 to $11,321, with an average cost of $4,350. Moves can be as low as $1,249 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 2,010 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.

Compare moving options from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Moving options from Anaheim to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,312 - $11,321 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,350, 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 2,010 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 2,010-mile route from Anaheim to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,312 - $5,508 $1,654 - $3,332 $1,176 - $2,268 $1,489 - $2,942
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,740 - $8,133 $2,075 - $4,403 $1,379 - $2,756 $1,747 - $3,700
4+ bedrooms $6,873 - $11,321 $3,020 - $6,241 $1,706 - $3,306 $2,393 - $4,848

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

For the 2,010-mile move from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,312 and $11,321. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $424 - $2,828 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Anaheim generally start around $182 plus $75 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,312 - $5,508
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,740 - $8,133
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,873 - $11,321

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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Anaheim 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$707 - $7,070
Storage in transitNew place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$283 - $1,697/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$424 - $3,394
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers$1,414 - $4,242
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,535 - $14,140
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,059 - $2,012
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items65% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$1,414 - $3,535
PianoAny piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$1,131 - $4,949
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers$424 - $2,121
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines$919 - $2,828
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$424 - $21,210+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$424 - $4,949+

What are the best full-service movers from Anaheim 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Anaheim, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,654 and $6,241. 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 Anaheim adds around $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,654 - $3,332
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,075 - $4,403
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,020 - $6,241

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $106 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $212 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 $990 in Anaheim, 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 $1,654. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,075 - $4,403, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim:

  • Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
  • Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
  • California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

A rental truck for this 2,010-mile move from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,176 and $3,306. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $904 - $1,034
  • Daily insurance: $42/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
  • Anaheim daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Anaheim to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,176 - $2,268
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,756
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,306

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,176 - $3,306 when pricing out a rental truck from Anaheim to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($904 - $1,034) , and overnight lodging ($212/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 $106 and $495.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $212.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $904 and $1,034 for the 2,010-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 $990 for 2 movers in Anaheim, California, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois. 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 $1,273 and $3,700.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,489 - $2,942
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,747 - $3,700
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,393 - $4,848

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $106 and $212.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Anaheim, California, for roughly five hours typically average $990.

What are the best freight companies from Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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: 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: Anaheim, CA vs Chicago, IL

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Anaheim on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Anaheim, CA Chicago, IL
Cost of living index165106
Average rent$2,550/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$769,966$317,509
Average income$90,583/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate4.1%9.0%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score56/10077/100
Safety index46.82/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois, 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,010-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Anaheim, CA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,312 for a studio to $11,321 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,010-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,654 - $6,241. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,176 - $3,306, 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 $3,740 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 Anaheim, CA, to Chicago, IL

How walkable is Chicago?

Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 56 and 52 in Anaheim. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($904 - $1,034), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $212/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 is the best time of year to move from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL?

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.

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 percentage of Anaheim movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 78% of movers in Anaheim handle piano moves, and 65% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.