($1,086+) Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,310 to $11,252, with an average cost of $3,900. Moves can be as low as $1,086 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 $1,310 - $11,252 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,900, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% 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: $1,310 for a studio up to $11,252 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,487 - $5,391 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,165 - $3,339, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,479 - $4,492, 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 November 2, 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 $1,310 and $11,252. 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: $1,310 - $4,974
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,338 - $7,636
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,488 - $11,252
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: 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.
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: 54% of Ontario 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 packing76% of local movers | $569 - $5,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% 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 coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% 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 items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $1,138 - $2,845 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $910 - $3,983 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $341 - $1,707 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Ontario, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Ontario, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,487 and $5,391. 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: $1,487 - $2,941
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,105 - $4,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,912 - $5,391
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $85 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $171 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $797 in Ontario, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,487. 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 $2,105 - $4,205.
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:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,979-mile move from Ontario, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,165 and $3,339. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $1,165 - $2,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,249 - $2,700
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,529 - $3,339
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Ontario to Chicago starts at $1,165 - $3,339, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($717 - $819), overnight lodging ($171/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $171 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Ontario, California, usually costs about $797 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,979-mile drive falls between $717 and $819, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $57 and $341 to your total.
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
For larger DIY moves from Ontario, 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 $1,572 and $3,264.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ontario to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,479 - $2,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,572 - $3,264
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,240 - $4,492
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 $85 - $171 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 Ontario, California, typically costs $797.
What are the best freight companies from Ontario to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Ontario, CA vs Chicago, IL
Ontario and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 119 in Ontario and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $2,619/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 48 vs 77 and safety scores are 49.75 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Ontario, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,979-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Ontario, CA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,310 for a studio to $11,252 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,979-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,487 - $5,391. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,165 - $3,339, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,338 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 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 is the best time of year to move from Ontario, CA to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Ontario, 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 percentage of Ontario movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ontario handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.