($1,201+) Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL Movers

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The cost to move from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,275 to $11,223, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,201 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 2,010 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.

Compare moving options from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Moving options from Anaheim to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,275 - $11,223 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,010 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 2,010-mile route from Anaheim to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,275 - $4,985 $1,545 - $3,053 $1,087 - $2,249 $1,404 - $2,829
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,326 - $7,305 $1,937 - $4,069 $1,263 - $2,573 $1,681 - $3,423
4+ bedrooms $6,545 - $11,223 $2,765 - $5,603 $1,609 - $3,343 $2,123 - $4,347

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,010-mile move from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,275 - $11,223. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $424 - $2,828. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Anaheim and Chicago. Local movers in Anaheim typically start around $182 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $4,985
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,326 - $7,305
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,545 - $11,223

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 Anaheim to Chicago.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Anaheim 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 packingFull crew packing78% of local movers$707 - $7,070
Storage in transitNew place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers$283 - $1,697/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$424 - $3,394
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$1,414 - $4,242
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,535 - $14,140
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,059 - $2,012
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$1,414 - $3,535
PianoAny piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$1,131 - $4,949
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers$424 - $2,121
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA)$919 - $2,828
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$424 - $21,210+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$424 - $4,949+

What are the best full-service movers from Anaheim 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,545 and $5,603. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Anaheim typically runs around $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,545 - $3,053
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,937 - $4,069
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,765 - $5,603

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 Anaheim, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $990, 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 $106 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $212 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Anaheim, CA, and Chicago, IL, 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 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 $1,937 - $4,069.

What are the best moving containers Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim:

  • Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
  • Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
  • Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,010 miles from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, running $1,087 - $3,343. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $904 - $1,034
  • Daily insurance: $42/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
  • Anaheim daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Anaheim to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $2,249
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,573
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,343

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,087 - $3,343 does not include fuel ($904 - $1,034), lodging ($212/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Anaheim to Chicago 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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $904 - $1,034 for the 2,010-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Anaheim, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $990.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,010-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $212 per night, adding $424 - $636 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $71 and $424.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Anaheim, California, to Chicago, Illinois, 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 $1,681 and $3,423.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Anaheim to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,404 - $2,829
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,681 - $3,423
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,123 - $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?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Anaheim, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $990.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $106 and $212 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Anaheim to Chicago?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Anaheim to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Anaheim, 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 Anaheim on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Anaheim, CA Chicago, IL
Cost of living index165106
Average rent$2,550/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$769,966$317,509
Average income$90,583/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate4.1%9.0%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score56/10077/100
Safety index46.82/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Anaheim, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,010-mile move.

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Our take

The 2,010-mile move from Anaheim, CA, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,275 and $11,223 with full-service movers, $1,545 - $5,603 with a moving container, and $1,087 - $3,343 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,326 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 Anaheim, CA, to Chicago, IL

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL?

Costs on this route range from around $1,201 to $11,223, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,275 and $11,223, 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 Chicago?

Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 56 and 52 in Anaheim. 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 ($904 - $1,034), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $212/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 percentage of Anaheim movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 41% of movers in Anaheim handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.