($1,261) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Los Angeles

When planning a move to Los Angeles from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,261 and $4,850. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,292 and $7,159 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,107 to $10,678.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Los Angeles

When you’re heading from Chicago to Los Angeles, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,145 and $2,692. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,140 and $4,153. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,709 to $5,377. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Los Angeles

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Los Angeles is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,178 to $2,271. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,238 to $2,625, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Los Angeles costs around $1,531 to $3,215.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 45% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 701% steeper in Los Angeles compared to Chicago.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Los Angeles and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Los Angeles, with the cost of living for a single person being 60% more than in Chicago. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Los Angeles, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 37% higher than in Chicago.
• Los Angeles has a higher unemployment rate than Chicago by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 7% cheaper in Los Angeles compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 169% more in California than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Los Angeles’s population is about 39% greater than Chicago.
• Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Los Angeles’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.81 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.19 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Los Angeles are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Los Angeles. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Echo Park
• Los Feliz
• Playa Del Rey
• Silver Lake
• Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

• Brentwood
• Eagle Rock
• Mar Vista
• Playa Vista
• Studio City

Things to do in Los Angeles

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Los Angeles. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.