Top local movers for Chicago to Stockton moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to Stockton can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 68 local movers in Chicago who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Stockton.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Stockton?
Movers in Illinois generally charge an average of $113 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,213 – $4,500 | $1,111 – $2,839 | $1,134 – $2,301 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,396 – $7,335 | $1,977 – $4,289 | $1,304 – $2,629 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,001 – $11,167 | $2,767 – $5,735 | $1,597 – $3,288 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Stockton
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Stockton typically costs between $1,213 and $4,500. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,396 and $7,335 when moving from Chicago to Stockton. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Stockton, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,001 up to $11,167.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Stockton
If you’re relocating from Chicago to Stockton, you’ll typically spend between $1,111 and $2,839 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,977 up to $4,289. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,767 and $5,735. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Stockton
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Stockton move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,134 and $2,301. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,304 to $2,629. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,597 and $3,288.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Stockton
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Chicago to Stockton might be as low as $2,522, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,728.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Chicago.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,134 to $2,881 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Stockton
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Stockton runs about 3% higher for singles and -27% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $3,767 in Chicago versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $6,810 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,500 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,750 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $437,561 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $63,915 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,767 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Good news! When moving to Stockton from Chicago, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 13% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 48% higher in Stockton than in Chicago.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 11% lower in Stockton than in Chicago.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Stockton and Chicago, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Stockton could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 27% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Stockton exceeds that of Chicago by about 14%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 12% lower in Stockton than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Stockton, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $48.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.63 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $36.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Stockton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Stockton.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Stockton.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Stockton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Stockton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Stockton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Stockton.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Stockton
| Chicago | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 320,804 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 44 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 52 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 75.2 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 24.8 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Stockton’s population is about 88% less than Chicago.
- Stockton’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Stockton is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 44 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Stockton has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Stockton’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 75.2 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Stockton is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 24.8 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Stockton is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Stockton move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Stockton without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Stockton
Ready to relocate to Asparagus Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Stonewood
- Spanos Park
- Weston Ranch
- Lincoln Village Proper
- Lakeview
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookside
- Spanos Park
- Stonewood
- Lincoln Village West
- Weston Ranch
Things to do in Stockton
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Stockton. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Stockton include museums and art centers like the The Haggin Museum and Children’s Museum of Stockton.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate University Park World Peace Rose Garden, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Stockton Heat (AHL)Stockton Kings (NBA G League)Stockton Ports (Low-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Stockton?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Stockton. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Stockton?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Stockton in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Stockton take?
Covering 2,088 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Stockton, typically takes six to 17 days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Stockton can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to Stockton?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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