$1,592 Movers from San Francisco to Chicago

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL averages from $1,644 to $9,281 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Chicago, IL. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to San Francisco guide.

• Best San Francisco to Chicago movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Francisco to Chicago.
• How much do movers cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Francisco to Chicago car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,132 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Chicago?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,132 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Francisco to Chicago will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Francisco to Chicago Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best customer service International Van Lines rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 24/7 cust. service Competitive rates 15% discounts Get A Quote (855) 929-4120 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves Air Van northAmerican Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Chicago?

To ship furniture from San Francisco to Chicago with a mover will cost between $1,592 to $6,279. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $4,318 to $9,281, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Francisco to Chicago will cost from $8,100 to $14,097.

How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Chicago?

Moving containers from San Francisco to Chicago will cost you $1,494 to $3,703 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,658 to $5,485. A larger home will cost $3,645 to $7,415.

How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,519 to $2,931. A larger move will cost $1,644 to $3,489, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Francisco to Chicago costs from $2,075 to $4,276.

Is moving from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Chicago

• Rent Prices in Chicago, IL are 45% lower than in San Francisco, CA.
• Home Prices in Chicago, IL are 80.6% lower than in San Francisco, CA.
• Income in Chicago, IL is 47.0% lower than in San Francisco, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Chicago, IL is 21.2% lower than in San Francisco, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Chicago, IL is 21.7% lower than in San Francisco, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Chicago, IL is 80.00% higher than in San Francisco, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Chicago, IL are 18.77% higher than in San Francisco, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Chicago, IL are 62.78% lower than in San Francisco, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,364.6 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How is life different in San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL?

• Chicago’s population is about 214% greater than San Francisco.
• Chicago’s public transportation is better than San Francisco with a score of 9 vs 10.
• Chicago is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 77 vs 99.
• Chicago is less bike-friendly than San Francisco with a score of 72 vs 99.
• Chicago's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 35.19 compared to 50.72.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 33.87 vs 40.45.
• Air Quality in Chicago is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Chicago. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Francisco Movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080 (415) 544-7000
Luigy's Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.8 overall rating	5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112 (415) 413-4646
Good Green Moving	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA, 94103 (855) 613-4663

Visit our Best Movers in San Francisco page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago, IL

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods in Chicago to move to.

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

What to do in Chicago

Moving to The “Chi-Town”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

• Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
• Navy Pier
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Buckingham Fountain
• Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
• 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Field Museum
• The Magnificent Mile
• Willis Tower SkyDeck
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Wrigley Field
• Chicago Pizza Tours
• Oz Park
• Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
• Maggie Daley Park
• Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
• Shedd Aquarium
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Green Mill Jazz Club
• The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
• The Chicago Theatre
• The Second City

Get your sports on!

• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Cubs (MLB)
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Fire (MLS)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Chicago

• What Is The Cost To Move In Chicago?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Illinois?
• Who’s Moving Into and Out of Chicago?
• Chicago Nightlife: Living it Up in the Windy City
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide
• What’s the cost of living in Chicago, IL?
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Neighborhood Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Chicago, IL
• Best Moving Companies in Illinois