How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to IL move
After studying pricing from 370 California movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from California to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from California to Illinois.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| 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 |
*Estimated costs for a 2,082-mile move from CA to
IL are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from California to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Illinois will cost between
$1,170 and
$4,764.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to IL will
range from $3,450 to
$6,806, and a large move from California
to Illinois will cost from $6,468
to $10,370.
Cost of moving containers from California to Illinois
If you’re moving from California to Illinois,
expect to pay between $1,198
and $2,742 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$2,031 up to
$4,312.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,728 and
$5,767. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$1,107 and
$2,335.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,272
and $2,513. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,542 up to
$3,306 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to IL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from California to Illinois. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CA to IL
A relocation from California to Illinois comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: California vs. Illinois
Comparing expenses in California and Illinois shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
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% |
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Expect to pay around 36% less in rent in Illinois than in California, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 68% lower in Illinois than in California.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Illinois are about 15% lower than in California.
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Living in Illinois is about 33% cheaper than California. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment rates are similar in both California and Illinois, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. California and Illinois have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Income taxes are 63% lower in Illinois than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Illinois vs. California
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Illinois stacks up against California across important lifestyle factors:
|
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 |
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With a population about 68% smaller than California, Illinois offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both California and Illinois supported the Democratic candidate.
-
In Illinois, summer highs hover around 86°F, while California sits at 87°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Illinois drops to about 17°F while California only reaches 59°F.
Moving to Illinois with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
-
Expect about 40 inches of rain each year in Illinois, a noticeable difference from the 22 inches you’re used to in California.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
Every year, Illinois gets around 22 inches of snow, much more than the 7 inches that California typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Illinois has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 28.43.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Illinois
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Illinois versus California:
| Pros of living in California |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Home of chicago |
| Pleasant weather |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational options |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| High quality of life |
Delicious food |
| Fresh and healthy foods |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Illinois
Moving from California to Illinois comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in California |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
| Heavy tax burdens |
Bad traffic |
| Natural disasters |
High crime rate |
| Terrible traffic |
Dull landscape |
| Strange laws |
Strict laws |
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.
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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.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Illinois moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Illinois
Get ready to discover all that Illinois has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from California to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from California to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois, such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in California.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 36% less and home prices 68% lower than in California.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $83,234 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois.
The cost of living in Illinois is about $3,434 per month for an individual and $7,489 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Chicago and Aurora tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in California?
Some movers in California provide budget-friendly deals.
In California, 7 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 7 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 7 movers.
Student savings are available through 2 moving providers.
Teacher and educator discounts can be found with 2 movers.
Law enforcement personnel receive special rate options from 4 companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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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.
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