($1,170) Cost to Move From San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL

1. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
2. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Dominant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
4. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Chicago

When planning a move to Chicago from San Diego, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,170 and $4,764. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,384 and $7,021 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,220 to $11,127.

Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Chicago

When you’re heading from San Diego to Chicago, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,084 and $2,799. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,071 and $4,354. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,756 to $5,428. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Chicago

A moving rental truck from San Diego to Chicago is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,176 to $2,312. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,260 to $2,698, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to Chicago costs around $1,574 to $3,273.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 29% less expensive in Chicago than in San Diego, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 71% cheaper in Chicago than in San Diego.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Chicago and San Diego are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in San Diego. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in San Diego.
• Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than San Diego by about 36%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in San Diego by 32%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 63% less in Illinois compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Chicago’s population is about 98% greater than San Diego.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than San Diego’s score of 6.
• Chicago is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 77 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 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 San Diego with a score of 35.19 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 33.87 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Diego and Chicago are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.