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.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| 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 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,160 – $4,623
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,346 – $7,021
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,677 – $10,690
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to California?
- Small move: $1,164 – $2,855
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,132 – $3,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,840 – $5,541
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,153 – $2,246
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,247 – $2,540
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,511 – $3,144
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,083-mile move from IL to CA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| 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% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 57% higher in California than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 209% higher in California than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 17% higher in California than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 49% higher in California than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Illinois and California.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Illinois?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| 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 |
Will California feel more crowded than Illinois?
California is about 211% more populous than Illinois — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Illinois and California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 40″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is California safer than Illinois?
California has a higher crime index than Illinois (28.43 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
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.
- State regulator: Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
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.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
You won’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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