($1,200+) Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL Movers
The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL ranges from $1,298 to $11,265, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,200 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,045 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Sacramento to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,298 - $11,265 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, 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 2,045 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,045-mile route from Sacramento 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 $1,298 - $5,542 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,767 - $3,292), rental truck ($1,286 - $2,340), or freight trailer ($1,590 - $2,819). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,612 - $7,369 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,265.
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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Sacramento, California, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,298 and $11,265. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,045-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $356 - $2,372, 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 Sacramento and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Sacramento tend to start around $287 plus $130/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 Sacramento to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,298 - $5,542
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,612 - $7,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,701 - $11,265
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 Sacramento 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.
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Specialty moving services from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Sacramento 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 | $593 - $5,930 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $237 - $1,423/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $356 - $2,846 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,186 - $3,558 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,965 - $11,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $888 - $1,688 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. | $1,186 - $2,965 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving | $949 - $4,151 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling48% of local movers | $356 - $1,779 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving | $771 - $2,372 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $356 - $17,790+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $356 - $4,151+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sacramento to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Sacramento, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,767 and $5,806. 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 Sacramento runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sacramento to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,767 - $3,292
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,286 - $4,571
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,833 - $5,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $830 in Sacramento, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $89 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $178 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
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 $1,767. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,286 - $4,571, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
- Double Move (4.9/5), 3 years in business
- Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Sacramento, California, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $1,286 - $3,618 for the 2,045-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $772 - $882
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
| 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 Sacramento to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,286 - $2,340
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,353 - $2,701
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,618
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Sacramento to Chicago starts at $1,286 - $3,618, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($772 - $882) , overnight lodging ($178/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $178 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 Sacramento, California, usually costs about $830 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,045-mile drive falls between $772 and $882, 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 $59 and $356 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Sacramento, California, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,723 and $3,442.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sacramento to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,590 - $2,819
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,442
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,457 - $4,887
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $89 - $178 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 Sacramento, California, typically costs $830.
What are the best freight companies from Sacramento 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.
- Button Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Button Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Sacramento, 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 Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 127 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,899/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $483,739 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $83,753/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 49/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 50.79/100 | 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 Sacramento, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,045-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,045-mile route from Sacramento, CA, to Chicago, IL, run $1,298 - $11,265 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,767 - $5,806, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,286 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,612, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Sacramento, CA, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($772 - $882), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $178/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Sacramento, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sacramento, 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.
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 50.79 and 49.21 in Sacramento. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Sacramento movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
