Local moving companies in San Francisco
Out of 91 San Francisco movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Illinois.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in San Francisco, CA
Quick breakdown of San Francisco movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Illinois
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from San Francisco to Illinois, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,250 – $5,051 | $1,219 – $2,904 | $1,215 – $2,163 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,318 – $7,401 | $2,067 – $4,427 | $1,315 – $2,709 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,157 – $10,571 | $2,833 – $5,634 | $1,644 – $3,155 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,074-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Illinois using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Illinois will cost between $1,250 and $5,051. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,318 to $7,401, and a large move will cost from $6,157 to $10,571.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Illinois
If you’re moving from San Francisco to Illinois, expect to pay between $1,219 and $2,904 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,067 up to $4,427. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,833 and $5,634. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from San Francisco.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from San Francisco to Illinois, expect to spend between $1,215 and $2,163. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,315 and $2,709. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,644 up to $3,155 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to IL
When calculating the price of San Francisco movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from San Francisco to IL
Leaving San Francisco for Illinois means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in San Francisco typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how San Francisco and Illinois measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: San Francisco vs. Illinois
| San Francisco, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,250 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $1,241,003 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 245 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 64% less expensive in Illinois compared to San Francisco, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 80% less for housing in Illinois compared to San Francisco, saving you money each month.
- The average income is about 43% lower in Illinois than in San Francisco, so you may need to adjust your budget accordingly.
- You’ll spend roughly 63% less on the cost of living in Illinois compared to San Francisco, a boost for your budget.
- Job availability and competition should be about the same in Illinois and San Francisco, as the unemployment rate doesn’t differ much between them.
- Illinois has income taxes about 63% lower than California, giving you more breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in San Francisco, CA from Illinois
When relocating from San Francisco to Illinois, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Illinois stacks up against life in the San Francisco.
| San Francisco, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 25″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 19.7 |
Illinois Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Illinois voted Democratic.
- Hot summer days in Illinois can escalate up to 86ºF, providing a distinctly warmer experience than San Francisco, where temperatures average around 67ºF. Anticipate sunnier skies, enjoyable outdoor recreation, and possible increases in energy spending as you embrace the warmer atmosphere.
- Winter lows in Illinois can drop to 17ºF, colder than San Francisco at 46ºF. Moving here means preparing for chillier winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather — but also scenic snowy days and winter activities.
- Expect about 40 inches of rain per year in Illinois, a clear jump from 25 inches in San Francisco. Be ready for more frequent wet days and plan accordingly with waterproof gear.
- Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while San Francisco sees none. Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Illinois has a lower crime rate than San Francisco, with indexes at 19.7 vs 61.41. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
If you’re moving from San Francisco to Illinois, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Illinois moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Illinois
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Illinois is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from San Francisco to Illinois take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from San Francisco, CA to Illinois? Typically, the process takes about six to 17 days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many San Francisco movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 81 movers in San Francisco that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a San Francisco moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from San Francisco to Illinois?
Looking to move your car from San Francisco to Illinois? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from California to Illinois.
Why are people moving from San Francisco to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Illinois.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Francisco?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.
Do movers in San Francisco, CA, accept cash?
Yes, 26 movers in San Francisco accept cash. However, cash is uncommon in the moving space, where traceable payment types are standard. You’ll typically pay a deposit to secure your booking before moving day. The rest of the total is due at pickup or post-delivery—confirm the schedule and permitted payment methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!