San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Chicago typically costs $3,900–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,081 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Diego to Chicago
Moving from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL typically costs $3,900–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,081-mile move from San Diego to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $7,284 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,066 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,163 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 28, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from San Diego to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Chicago may only cost $2,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,200.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Diego.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$4,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA guide.
Best San Diego to Chicago movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Diego to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 9% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than San Diego.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $3,346 in San Diego; families pay $9,266 compared with $7,719.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Diego | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 29% less expensive in Chicago than in San Diego, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 71% cheaper in Chicago than in San Diego.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Chicago and San Diego are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in San Diego. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in San Diego.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than San Diego by about 36%. 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 in Chicago surpass those in San Diego by 32%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 63% less in Illinois compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Diego versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Chicago.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in San Diego than in Chicago.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in San Diego than in Chicago.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Chicago
| San Diego | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 72 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 98% greater than San Diego.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than San Diego's score of 6.
- Chicago is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 77 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 35.19 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 33.87 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in San Diego it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, 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 Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from San Diego to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Diego to Chicago take?
The 2,081-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Chicago, IL, takes six to 17 days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do San Diego movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Diego, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Diego?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in San Diego provide piano moving services. 17 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
