How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to CA move
After studying pricing from 100 Illinois movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to California?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to California.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,160 – $4,623 |
$1,164 – $2,855 |
$1,153 – $2,246 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,346 – $7,021 |
$2,132 – $3,977 |
$1,247 – $2,540 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,677 – $10,690 |
$2,840 – $5,541 |
$1,511 – $3,144 |
*Estimated costs for a 2,083-mile move from IL to
CA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to California will cost between
$1,160 and
$4,623.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to CA will
range from $3,346 to
$7,021, and a large move from Illinois
to California will cost from $5,677
to $10,690.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California
If you’re moving from Illinois to California,
expect to pay between $1,164
and $2,855 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$2,132 up to
$3,977.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,840 and
$5,541. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to California
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, expect to spend between
$1,153 and
$2,246.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,247
and $2,540. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,511 up to
$3,144 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to CA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to California. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to CA
A relocation from Illinois to California comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. California
Comparing expenses in Illinois and California shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Illinois |
California |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$1,856 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$91,905 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
134 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
5.4% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
8.68% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
13.3% |
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Rent in California is approximately 57% higher than in Illinois, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 209% higher in California than in Illinois.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 17% higher in California compared to Illinois. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Moving to California means you’ll be paying 49% more than you did in Illinois. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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Unemployment rates are similar in both Illinois and California, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. Illinois and California have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in California vs. Illinois
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in California stacks up against Illinois across important lifestyle factors:
|
California |
Illinois |
| Population |
39,029,342 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 59-41 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
59ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
22″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
7″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
28.43 |
19.7 |
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California is about 211% more populous than Illinois.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
-
During the last presidential election, both Illinois and California supported the Democratic candidate.
-
In California, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Illinois sits at 86°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, California bottoms out around 59°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
A move to California with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of rain each year in California, compared to 40 inches in Illinois.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 22 inches you’d deal with in Illinois.
So, if you’re moving to California, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
California has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 19.7.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. California
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in California versus Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in California |
| Home of chicago |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Abundant recreational options |
| Delicious food |
High quality of life |
| World-class sports culture |
Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. California
Moving from Illinois to California comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in California |
| Harsh winter weather |
High cost of living |
| Bad traffic |
Heavy tax burdens |
| High crime rate |
Natural disasters |
| Dull landscape |
Terrible traffic |
| Strict laws |
Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to California move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
-
State licensing:
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC).
Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in California
Get ready to discover all that California has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to California?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to California?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to California are the amazing upsides of living in California, such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or California?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in California.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 36% less and home prices 68% lower than in California.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $73,978 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California.
The cost of living in California is about $5,276 per month for an individual and $10,220 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Camp Pendleton North and Los Angeles tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Some movers in Illinois provide budget-friendly deals.
In Illinois, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Illinois to California, expect to spend between
$3,346–$7,021 if using professional movers, about
$3,054 for a moving container, and around
$1,893
for a rental truck.
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