($1,121+) Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,262 to $11,005, with an average cost of $3,900. Moves can be as low as $1,121 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,013 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,262 - $11,005 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,900, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,013 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 2,013-mile route from Santa Clarita to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,262 - $5,195 | $1,545 - $3,083 | $1,201 - $2,249 | $1,390 - $2,640 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,225 - $7,451 | $1,998 - $4,279 | $1,263 - $2,599 | $1,615 - $3,356 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,419 - $11,005 | $2,737 - $5,490 | $1,562 - $3,054 | $2,301 - $4,347 |
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
For the 2,013-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,262 and $11,005. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $419 - $2,792 (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 Santa Clarita generally start around $291 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,262 - $5,195
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,225 - $7,451
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,419 - $11,005
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 Santa Clarita to Chicago.
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita 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 packing81% of local movers | $698 - $6,980 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $279 - $1,675/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $419 - $3,350 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,396 - $4,188 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,490 - $13,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,046 - $1,987 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,396 - $3,490 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,117 - $4,886 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $419 - $2,094 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $907 - $2,792 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $419 - $20,940+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $419 - $4,886+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Clarita, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,545 and $5,490. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Santa Clarita runs about /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,545 - $3,083
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,998 - $4,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,737 - $5,490
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Clarita, CA and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $977 in Santa Clarita, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $105 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $209 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,545. 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 $1,998 - $4,279.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 2,013-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,201 and $3,054, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $894 - $1,022
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,201 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,562 - $3,054
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,201 - $3,054 when pricing out a rental truck from Santa Clarita to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $894 - $1,022, and overnight lodging ($209/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $105 and $489.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $209.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $894 and $1,022 for the 2,013-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $977 for 2 movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Clarita, 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 $1,256 and $3,356.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,390 - $2,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,356
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,301 - $4,347
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 $105 - $209 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 Santa Clarita, California, typically costs $977.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Clarita to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 106 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 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 Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,013-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,262 for a studio to $11,005 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,013-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,545 - $5,490. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,201 - $3,054, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,225 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
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 Santa Clarita, CA, to Chicago, IL
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 long does a move from Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Santa Clarita?
Local movers based in Santa Clarita typically start around $291 as a base rate, plus $125/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Clarita, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,121 to $11,005, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,262 and $11,005, 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 percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.