When moving from California to Illinois, expect to spend between
$3,450–$6,806 if using professional movers, about
$3,171 for a moving container, and around
$1,892
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,170 – $4,764 | $1,198 – $2,742 | $1,107 – $2,335 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,450 – $6,806 | $2,031 – $4,312 | $1,272 – $2,513 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,468 – $10,370 | $2,728 – $5,767 | $1,542 – $3,306 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,170 – $4,764
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,450 – $6,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,468 – $10,370
How much do moving containers cost from California to Illinois?
- Small move: $1,198 – $2,742
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,031 – $4,312
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 – $5,767
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,107 – $2,335
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,272 – $2,513
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,542 – $3,306
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,082-mile move from CA to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 36% lower in Illinois than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 68% lower in Illinois than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% lower in Illinois than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is 33% lower in Illinois than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in California and Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 63% lower in Illinois than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to California?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Illinois | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 28.43 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than California?
Illinois is about 68% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Illinois is colder on average (17°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets more rain (40″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Illinois gets more snow (22 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Illinois safer than California?
Illinois has a lower crime index than California (19.7 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Illinois?
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Illinois moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly 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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Illinois moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Illinois?
You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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