($1,188+) Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Moreno Valley, CA, runs anywhere from $1,188 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,979 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,988 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,237, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,979 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,534 - $5,784, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,188 - $3,148.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Moreno Valley, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,239 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
Moving options from Chicago to Moreno Valley fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,239 - $7,267 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,988-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,988-mile route from Chicago to Moreno Valley, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,237 - $4,879 | $1,534 - $3,000 | $1,188 - $2,160 | $1,380 - $2,700 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,239 - $7,267 | $2,126 - $4,038 | $1,188 - $2,518 | $1,685 - $3,198 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,234 - $9,979 | $2,634 - $5,784 | $1,576 - $3,148 | $2,329 - $4,492 |
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 Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
For the 1,988-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Moreno Valley, California, full-service movers cost between $2,237 and $9,979. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $348 - $2,320 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Moreno Valley:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,237 - $4,879
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,239 - $7,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,234 - $9,979
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 Chicago to Moreno Valley.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Moreno Valley, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $580 - $5,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $232 - $1,392/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $348 - $2,784 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,160 - $3,480 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,900 - $11,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $869 - $1,651 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,160 - $2,900 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $928 - $4,060 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $348 - $1,740 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $754 - $2,320 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $348 - $17,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $348 - $4,060+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Moreno Valley?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Moreno Valley, California, cost between $1,534 and $5,784. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Moreno Valley. If you go over that window, storage in Chicago adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Moreno Valley:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,534 - $3,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,126 - $4,038
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,634 - $5,784
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 Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $812, 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 $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $174 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Moreno Valley, CA, 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 Illinois to California 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 $1,534. 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 $2,126 - $4,038.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Moreno Valley?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
A rental truck for this 1,988-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Moreno Valley, California, costs between $1,188 and $3,148. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $734 - $839
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Moreno Valley based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $2,160
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,518
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,148
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,188 - $3,148 does not include fuel ($734 - $839), lodging ($174/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Moreno Valley 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 $174 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 Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $812 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,988-mile drive falls between $734 and $839, 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 $58 and $348 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Moreno Valley?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Moreno Valley, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,685 and $3,198.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Moreno Valley:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,380 - $2,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,685 - $3,198
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,329 - $4,492
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $87 - $174 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 Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $812.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Moreno Valley?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Moreno Valley, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Moreno Valley, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Moreno Valley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 131 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $2,550/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $460,926 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $87,477/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 59.76/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to California, 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. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,988-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Moreno Valley, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,237 - $9,979 on the 1,988-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,534 - $5,784, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,188 - $3,148. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,239 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sunnymead Middle School and Family Service Association.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Moreno Valley, CA
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Moreno Valley run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Moreno Valley, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,188 to $9,979, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,237 and $9,979, 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.
How walkable is Moreno Valley?
Moreno Valley has a walkability score of 33 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 37, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($734 - $839), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $174/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.