($1,263) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL

1. 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,263 and $5,230. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,562 to $7,585 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oakland to Chicago typically runs between $6,554 and $11,184.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Chicago

When moving from Oakland to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,221 and $2,937. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,025 to $4,482. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,806 up to $5,589. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Oakland is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. 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 $1,157 and $2,442. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,253 and $2,906. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,679 and $3,392.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 7% lower in Chicago than in Oakland, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 60% lower in Chicago than in Oakland.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 24% less in Chicago than in Oakland.
• Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 16% more than in Oakland. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 8% more than it is in Oakland.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 100% higher compared to Oakland, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Chicago and Oakland (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 63% lower in Illinois compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Chicago’s population is about 523% greater than Oakland.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Chicago and Oakland are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Oakland, which has a score of 65 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 Oakland with a score of 35.19 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Chicago is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 33.87 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.