($1,201+) Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,224 to $11,441, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,201 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,011 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 Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Irvine to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,224 - $11,441 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% 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 2,011 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 2,011-mile route from Irvine to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,224 - $5,195 with full-service movers, $1,639 - $3,113 with a container, $1,098 - $2,095 with a rental truck, or $1,390 - $2,829 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,225 - $7,159 full-service, $2,140 - $4,321 by container, $1,288 - $2,599 by rental truck, or $1,632 - $3,221 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,419 - $11,441 full-service, $2,737 - $5,773 by container, $1,625 - $3,343 by rental truck, or $2,145 - $4,663 by freight.
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 Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 2,011-mile relocation from Irvine, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,224 and $11,441. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $424 - $2,828, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Irvine typically charge a base rate around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,224 - $5,195
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,225 - $7,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,419 - $11,441
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 Irvine to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $707 - $7,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $283 - $1,697/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $424 - $3,394 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,414 - $4,242 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,535 - $14,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,059 - $2,012 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,414 - $3,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,131 - $4,949 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $424 - $2,121 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $919 - $2,828 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $424 - $21,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $424 - $4,949+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,639 and $5,773. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Irvine typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,639 - $3,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,140 - $4,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,737 - $5,773
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 Irvine, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $990, 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 $106 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $212 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Irvine, CA, and Chicago, IL, 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 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 $1,639. 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 $2,140 - $4,321.
What are the best moving containers Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Irvine, California, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $1,098 - $3,343 for the 2,011-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $905 - $1,034
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Irvine to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,095
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,343
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,098 - $3,343 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Irvine to Chicago. Fuel ($905 - $1,034), lodging at around $212/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Irvine, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $990.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $905 - $1,034 for the 2,011-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $85 and $460, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $212 per night for hotel stops on the 2,011-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $424 - $636.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine 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 Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Irvine, 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 $3,221.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,390 - $2,829
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $3,221
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,145 - $4,663
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $106 - $212 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 Irvine, California, typically costs $990.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine 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.
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: Irvine, 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 Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 106 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Irvine, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,011-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,011-mile route from Irvine, CA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,224 - $11,441 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,639 - $5,773, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,098 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,225, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Irvine, CA, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($905 - $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 walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,201 to $11,441, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,224 and $11,441, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Irvine?
Local movers based in Irvine typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $75/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.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.