($1,151+) Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,309 to $11,471, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,151 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,979 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.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Ontario to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,309 - $11,471 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,979 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 1,979-mile route from Ontario to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,309 for a studio up to $11,471 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,626 - $5,895 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,199 - $3,371, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,463 - $5,001, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
For the 1,979-mile move from Ontario, California, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,309 and $11,471. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $341 - $2,276 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Ontario generally start around $248 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ontario to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $5,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,398 - $7,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,747 - $11,471
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 Ontario to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Ontario movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $569 - $5,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $228 - $1,366/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $341 - $2,731 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,138 - $3,414 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,845 - $11,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $852 - $1,619 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $1,138 - $2,845 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $910 - $3,983 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $341 - $1,707 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $740 - $2,276 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $341 - $17,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $341 - $3,983+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ontario 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Ontario, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Ontario, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,626 and $5,895. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Ontario runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ontario to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,626 - $3,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,232 - $4,414
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,822 - $5,895
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Ontario, CA and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $797 in Ontario, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $85 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $171 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,626. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,232 - $4,414, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Ontario 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 Ontario 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 Ontario:
- Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,979-mile move from Ontario, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,199 and $3,371, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $717 - $819
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Ontario daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Ontario to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,199 - $2,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,753
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,589 - $3,371
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,199 - $3,371 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Ontario to Chicago. Fuel ($717 - $819) , lodging at around $171/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $171 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $74 and $370 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $717 - $819 in fuel for the 1,979-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $797 in Ontario, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ontario 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 Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Ontario, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,752 and $3,708.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ontario to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $2,749
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,752 - $3,708
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,281 - $5,001
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $85 - $171 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Ontario, California, for about five hours typically runs $797.
What are the best freight companies from Ontario 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.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Ontario, CA vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Ontario: cost of living index of 106 versus 119, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $2,619/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 48/100 and 49.75/100 in Ontario versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Ontario, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,979-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Ontario, 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 $1,309 - $11,471 on the 1,979-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,626 - $5,895 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,199 - $3,371 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,398 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 Ontario, CA, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
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.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 48 and 46 in Ontario. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 49.75 and 50.25 in Ontario. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Ontario movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Ontario handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
