($1,088+) Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,224 to $10,840, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,088 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,990 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Moreno Valley to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,224 - $10,840 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,990 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,990-mile route from Moreno Valley to Chicago, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,224 - $5,192 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,537 - $2,946), rental truck ($1,133 - $2,319), or freight trailer ($1,411 - $2,841). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,446 - $7,507 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,840.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Moreno Valley, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,224 and $10,840. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,990-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $363 - $2,420, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Moreno Valley and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Moreno Valley tend to start around $239 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Moreno Valley to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,224 - $5,192
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,446 - $7,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,314 - $10,840
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 Moreno Valley to Chicago.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Moreno Valley 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 packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,210 - $3,630 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,025 - $12,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $906 - $1,722 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationally | $787 - $2,420 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $363 - $18,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $363 - $4,235+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Moreno Valley to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Moreno Valley, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Moreno Valley, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,537 and $5,740. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Moreno Valley typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Moreno Valley to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,537 - $2,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,028 - $4,340
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,694 - $5,740
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 Moreno Valley, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $847, 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 $91 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $182 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Moreno Valley, 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 $1,537. 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 $2,028 - $4,340.
What are the best moving containers Moreno Valley to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley:
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,990-mile move from Moreno Valley, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,133 and $3,315, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $766 - $876
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Moreno Valley daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Moreno Valley to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,133 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,251 - $2,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,516 - $3,315
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Moreno Valley to Chicago starts at $1,133 - $3,315, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($766 - $876), overnight lodging ($182/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Moreno Valley, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $847.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $766 - $876 for the 1,990-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $73 and $393, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $182 per night for hotel stops on the 1,990-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $363 - $545.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Moreno Valley to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Moreno Valley, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,574 and $3,539.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Moreno Valley to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,574 - $3,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,312 - $4,455
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $91 - $182 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Moreno Valley, California, typically costs $847.
What are the best freight companies from Moreno Valley to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Moreno Valley, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 106 |
| Average rent | $2,550/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $460,926 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $87,477/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.1% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Moreno Valley, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,990-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Moreno Valley, CA, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,224 - $10,840 on the 1,990-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,537 - $5,740 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,133 - $3,315 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,446 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 Moreno Valley, CA, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Moreno Valley, CA to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,251 - $2,628. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 59.76 and 40.24 in Moreno Valley. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Moreno Valley movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Moreno Valley handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.