Top Fresno, CA to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Fresno guide.

1. Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. Colonial Van & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Economy Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Courtesy Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. Master Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from California to Illinois

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Illinois, you can expect to spend between $1,534 and $6,428. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,377 to $9,409 on the same route (CA to IL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Illinois typically runs between $7,966 and $14,432.

Cost of moving containers from California to Illinois

If you're relocating from California to Illinois, you'll typically spend between $1,454 and $3,567 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,535 up to $5,340. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,623 and $7,070. 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

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,448 and $3,030. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,601 and $3,502. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,145 and $4,420.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 24% higher than in Fresno.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Chicago are 22.4% lower than in Fresno.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 13.6% higher than in Fresno. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 60.2% higher than in Fresno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 72.9% higher than in Fresno.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 26.94% higher than in Fresno.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 28.45% higher than what you are paying in Fresno.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.78% lower than in Fresno.

• The population of Chicago is about 407% greater than Fresno, 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 Fresno, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Fresno. 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 Fresno. Chicago is considered more walkable than Fresno, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 47 out of 100 in Fresno. 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 Fresno 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 Fresno is rated as 58 out of 100.
• Chicago has a lower crime rate than Fresno based on scores of 35.19 and Fresno's 56.85, 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 Fresno, whose index is 43.15. 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 Fresno. Chicago has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Fresno. 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.

• 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.

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

Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• 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.