($1,504) Cost of Moving From Illinois to California
Quick answer: When you’re moving from Illinois to California, you’ll typically spend between $1,634 and $8,484. Most moves take around six–17 days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Illinois guide.
Our track record
The best Illinois to California full-service movers
Thinking about moving from Illinois to California? With so many movers out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork, digging into reviews, comparing pricing, and analyzing each mover’s services, to bring you the best interstate moving companies.
Kick off your move from Illinois to California with these highly rated long-distance moving pros in Illinois.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Illinois
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in Illinois, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
STI Moving & Storage Inc.

DOT #: 1308599
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $150 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1308599
- State license #: 139020
Alternative Business Names
- STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Planes Moving & Storage Company

DOT #: 1458935
Years in Business: 104
1100 Bilter Road, Aurora , IL 60504Planes Moving & Storage Company, established in 1921, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Aurora, IL. With a strong reputation built over a century, the company also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring valuable items like pianos and antiques are handled with care. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.7 average rating from 320 Google reviews, and a solid consumer satisfaction. While their Yelp reviews show mixed feedback with a 3.1 average rating, their long-standing presence and comprehensive service offerings make them a trustworthy choice compared to other local movers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1458935
- State license #: 7545
Alternative Business Names
- Planes Moving & Storage of Chicago, L.L.C.
H2H Movers Inc

DOT #: 2428328
Years in Business: 10
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613H2H Movers Inc, established in 2015, is a highly reputable local moving company serving the Chicago, IL area. Specializing in residential moves, H2H Movers also offers a range of services including office moving, packing and unpacking, as well as specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 1556 reviews and a solid 4.3 from 371 reviews on Yelp, they outshine many other local competitors. Their A- rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability. Customers can pay via cash or credit card, and although a deposit is required, full valuation insurance coverage is provided for added peace of mind.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2428328
- State license #: 184599
Alternative Business Names
- H2H Movers, Inc
The Professionals Moving Specialists

DOT #: 3383907
Years in Business: 20
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3383907
- State license #: 136144
Local Associations
New City Moving

DOT #: 3078026
Years in Business: 16
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3078026
- State license #: 158051
Alternative Business Names
- Windy City Moving, Inc.
The best Illinois to California moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in Illinois and delivering it to your new place in California.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
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The best Illinois to California moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Illinois to California? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you'll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Illinois to California labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Illinois to California:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to CA move
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to California with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,504 - $5,995 | $1,436 - $3,448 | $1,436 - $2,883 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,051 - $8,484 | $2,712 - $5,160 | $1,634 - $3,465 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,366 - $13,326 | $3,396 - $7,041 | $1,940 - $3,953 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,083 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to California typically costs between $1,504 and $5,995. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,051 and $8,484 when moving from IL to CA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to California, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,366 up to $13,326.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California
If you’re relocating from Illinois to California, you’ll typically spend between $1,436 and $3,448 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,712 up to $5,160. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,396 and $7,041. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,436 and $2,883. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,634 to $3,465. If you’re heading from Illinois to California or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,940 and $3,953.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to CA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to California. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Illinois.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to CA
If you’re moving from Illinois to California, take a moment to see how your new state compares to your current one.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. California
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in Illinois and California. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:
Illinois | California | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent in California is approximately 57% higher than in Illinois, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in California are usually around 209% higher than what you’ll find in Illinois.
- You’re likely to earn about 17% more in California than in Illinois. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
- Moving to California will cost you 49% more than living in Illinois, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
- Unemployment in California is about 2% higher than in Illinois. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
- Sales tax in California is 2% lower than in Illinois. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in California can really help lower your monthly costs.
- State income taxes in California are 169% higher than in Illinois, which means you'll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less 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 |
- If you’re relocating from Illinois to California, you’ll notice that California has about 211% more residents. With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
- In the last presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while Illinois supported Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 87ºF in California and 86ºF in Illinois. With similar temperatures, you shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Winter lows in California stay around 59ºF, while Illinois can plunge to a brisk 17ºF. Moving to California means you’ll get to experience milder winters, making day-to-day life simpler and often saving you money. With fewer icy days and less snow, you can spend more time outside and less time bundled up.
- In California, you’ll get about 22 inches of rain each year—less than the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
- 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 crime indexes at 28.43 and 19.7, respectively. While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to 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
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from Illinois to California, keep these tips in mind.
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
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- 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: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a California moving license anytime 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: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home 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