($1,286+) Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,312 to $11,729, with an average cost of $4,200. Moves can be as low as $1,286 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,027 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 Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Long Beach to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,312 - $11,729 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% 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 2,027 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 2,027-mile route from Long Beach to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,312 - $5,822 | $1,598 - $3,292 | $1,225 - $2,340 | $1,499 - $2,905 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,612 - $8,067 | $2,286 - $4,481 | $1,392 - $2,926 | $1,828 - $3,764 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,500 - $11,729 | $2,982 - $5,806 | $1,624 - $3,481 | $2,338 - $4,838 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Long Beach, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,312 and $11,729. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,027-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $419 - $2,792, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Long Beach and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Long Beach tend to start around $162 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Long Beach to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,312 - $5,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,612 - $8,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,500 - $11,729
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 Long Beach to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Long Beach movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $698 - $6,980 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $279 - $1,675/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $419 - $3,350 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,396 - $3,490 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,117 - $4,886 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $419 - $2,094 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $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 Long Beach 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Long Beach, CA. 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 Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Long Beach, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,598 and $5,806. 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 Long Beach costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Long Beach to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,598 - $3,292
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,286 - $4,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,982 - $5,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $105 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $209 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $977 in Long Beach, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,598. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,286 - $4,481, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,027 miles from Long Beach, California, to Chicago, Illinois, running $1,225 - $3,481. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $900 - $1,029
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Long Beach 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 Long Beach to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,225 - $2,340
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,624 - $3,481
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,225 - $3,481 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Long Beach to Chicago. Fuel ($900 - $1,029) , lodging at around $209/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 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 Long Beach, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $977.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $900 - $1,029 for the 2,027-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 $84 and $454, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $209 per night for hotel stops on the 2,027-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $419 - $628.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Long Beach, 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 $3,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Long Beach to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,499 - $2,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,828 - $3,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,338 - $4,838
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 $105 - $209 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Long Beach, California, for about five hours typically runs $977.
What are the best freight companies from Long Beach to Chicago?
- 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.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Long Beach, 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 Long Beach on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Long Beach, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 106 |
| Average rent | $2,075/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $762,188 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $83,969/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 73/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 41.42/100 | 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 Long Beach, 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 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,027-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,027-mile route from Long Beach, CA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,312 - $11,729 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,598 - $5,806, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,225 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,612, 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 Long Beach, CA, to Chicago, IL
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 73 and 70 in Long Beach. 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 do local movers charge in Long Beach?
Local movers based in Long Beach typically start around $162 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Long Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Long Beach handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
