Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago typically costs $3,700–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,014 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Los Angeles to Chicago
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL typically costs $3,700–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,014-mile move from Los Angeles to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $9,382 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $8,485 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,891 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Los Angeles to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Chicago may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Los Angeles.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,200–$3,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Best Los Angeles to Chicago movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Los Angeles to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Los Angeles to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Chicago
Many movers find Chicago easier on the wallet than Los Angeles - roughly 37% less for singles and 27% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,648 for one person in Chicago versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it's $9,266 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 31% less expensive in Chicago than in Los Angeles, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 88% cheaper in Chicago than in Los Angeles.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Chicago and Los Angeles are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Chicago. The cost of living for a single person there is 37% below that of Los Angeles.
- A move to Chicago can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 27% lower compared to Los Angeles.
- Chicago has a lower unemployment rate than Los Angeles by about 15%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Los Angeles by 8%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 63% less in Illinois compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Los Angeles versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Los Angeles than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Los Angeles than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Chicago.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in Chicago.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Los Angeles than in Chicago.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Chicago
| Los Angeles | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 72 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 28% less than Los Angeles.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Los Angeles's score of 8.
- Chicago is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 35.19 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 33.87 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Los Angeles it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Los Angeles to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Los Angeles to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Chicago take?
The 2,014-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, takes six to 17 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Los Angeles movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Los Angeles, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 4 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Los Angeles?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 83 movers in Los Angeles provide piano moving services. 72 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
