($1,256+) San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,227 to $11,093, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,256 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,131 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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from San Francisco to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,227 - $11,093 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,131 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 2,131-mile route from San Francisco to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,227 - $5,258 with full-service movers, $1,698 - $3,014 with a container, $1,244 - $2,307 with a rental truck, or $1,558 - $2,967 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,640 - $7,229 full-service, $2,156 - $4,184 by container, $1,347 - $2,661 by rental truck, or $1,725 - $3,664 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,178 - $11,093 full-service, $2,986 - $6,192 by container, $1,599 - $3,467 by rental truck, or $2,319 - $4,859 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 2,131-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,227 and $11,093. 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 $568 - $3,788, 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 San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,227 - $5,258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,640 - $7,229
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,178 - $11,093
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 San Francisco to Chicago.
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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $947 - $9,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $379 - $2,273/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $568 - $4,546 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,894 - $5,682 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,735 - $18,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,419 - $2,695 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,894 - $4,735 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,515 - $6,629 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $568 - $2,841 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,231 - $3,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $568 - $28,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $568 - $6,629+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,698 and $6,192. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,698 - $3,014
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,156 - $4,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,986 - $6,192
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,326 in San Francisco, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $142 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $284 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
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 $1,698. 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 $2,156 - $4,184.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Plan on $1,244 - $3,467 for a rental moving truck on the 2,131-mile route from San Francisco, California, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,284 - $1,468
- Daily insurance: $57/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,347 - $2,661
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,599 - $3,467
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,244 - $3,467 does not include fuel ($1,284 - $1,468), lodging ($284/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco to Chicago typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $284 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,326 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,131-mile drive falls between $1,284 and $1,468, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $95 and $568 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, 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 $1,705 and $3,664.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,558 - $2,967
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,664
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,319 - $4,859
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $142 - $284 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,326.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco 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: If speed matters on your move from San Francisco to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 106 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 San Francisco, 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 1,126 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,131-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,131-mile route from San Francisco, CA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,227 - $11,093 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,698 - $6,192, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,244 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,640, 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 San Francisco, CA, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, 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.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
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 percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.