Quick answer: A move from Chula Vista to Chicago costs $1,536–$9,472 and takes six to 17 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,082-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Chula Vista guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Chula Vista to Chicago
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Chula Vista to Chicago isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to IL move
The top local movers servicing Chula Vista to Chicago moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Chula Vista that also handles long-distance moves to Chicago. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Chula Vista who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Chula Vista to Chicago.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0154190
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 2059504
Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Chula Vista to Chicago?
Chula Vista movers charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,613 - $5,926 | $1,465 - $3,848 | $1,479 - $2,796 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,429 - $9,472 | $2,501 - $5,698 | $1,536 - $3,292 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,821 - $14,283 | $3,609 - $7,036 | $1,938 - $4,075 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Illinois
Planning a move from California to Illinois? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,613 and $5,926. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,429 and $9,472 for the same journey (CA to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,821 to $14,283.
Cost of moving containers from California to Illinois
If you're relocating from California to Illinois, you'll typically spend between $1,465 and $3,848 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,501 up to $5,698. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,609 and $7,036. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Illinois
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,479 to $2,796. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,536 to $3,292, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Illinois costs around $1,938 to $4,075.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from Chula Vista to Chicago
What to know before moving from Chula Vista to Chicago
Moving from Chula Vista to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chula Vista than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chula Vista compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chula Vista | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,100 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $844,142 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $92,913 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $7,167 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,120 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 34% lower than in Chula Vista, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 65.0% lower than in Chula Vista. - Income in Chicago is 23.0% lower than in Chula Vista, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago — including U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 49.1% lower than in Chula Vista.
- A move to Chicago can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23.5% less than what it costs in Chula Vista.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 13.92% higher than in Chula Vista.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 17.14% higher than what you are paying in Chula Vista.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.78% lower than in Chula Vista.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,527.00 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chula Vista.
How life is different in Chula Vista vs. Chicago
Chicago | Chula Vista | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 275,487 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 77 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 41 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 56.3 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 43.7 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Chicago is about 897% greater than Chula Vista, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Chula Vista, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Chula Vista. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chula Vista. Chicago is considered more walkable than Chula Vista, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Chula Vista. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than Chula Vista in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Chula Vista is rated as 41 out of 100.
- Chicago has a lower crime rate than Chula Vista based on scores of 35.19 and Chula Vista's 56.3, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than Chula Vista, whose index is 43.7. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Chicago has better air quality than in Chula Vista. Chicago has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chula Vista. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Chula Vista vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it's time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chula Vista to Chicago?
The best time to move from Chula Vista to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chula Vista.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chula Vista to Chicago?
With many people choosing to move from Chula Vista to Chicago in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chula Vista to Chicago take?
The 2,082-mile move from Chula Vista, CA, to Chicago, IL, takes six to 17 days. Some Chula Vista movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.