($1,178+) Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Anaheim, CA, runs anywhere from $1,178 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,573 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,008 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,315, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,573 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,560 - $5,603, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,178 - $3,311.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Anaheim, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,098 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
Moving options from Chicago to Anaheim fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,098 - $7,370 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,008 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,008-mile route from Chicago to Anaheim, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,315 - $4,890 | $1,560 - $2,933 | $1,178 - $2,271 | $1,348 - $2,586 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,098 - $7,370 | $1,957 - $3,985 | $1,238 - $2,678 | $1,583 - $3,289 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,926 - $10,573 | $2,933 - $5,603 | $1,546 - $3,311 | $2,346 - $4,301 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,008-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Anaheim, California, with costs ranging from $2,315 - $10,573. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $389 - $2,592. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Anaheim. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,315 - $4,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,098 - $7,370
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,926 - $10,573
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Anaheim.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Anaheim, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $648 - $6,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $259 - $1,555/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $389 - $3,110 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,296 - $3,888 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,240 - $12,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $971 - $1,844 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,296 - $3,240 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,037 - $4,536 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $389 - $1,944 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $842 - $2,592 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $389 - $19,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $389 - $4,536+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Anaheim?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Anaheim, California, cost between $1,560 and $5,603. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,560 - $2,933
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,957 - $3,985
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,933 - $5,603
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $97 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $194 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Anaheim, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $907 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,560. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,957 - $3,985.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Anaheim?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,008 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Anaheim, California, running $1,178 - $3,311. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $828 - $946
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Anaheim based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,178 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,238 - $2,678
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,546 - $3,311
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,178 - $3,311 does not include fuel ($828 - $946), lodging ($194/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Anaheim typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $194 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $907 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,008-mile drive falls between $828 and $946, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $65 and $389 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Anaheim?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Anaheim, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,583 and $3,289.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,348 - $2,586
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,583 - $3,289
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,346 - $4,301
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $907.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $97 and $194 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Anaheim?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Anaheim fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Anaheim, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Anaheim, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Anaheim, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 165 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $2,550/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $769,966 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $90,583/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 56/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 46.82/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Anaheim, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 314 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 2,008-mile route.
Our take
The 2,008-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Anaheim, CA, costs between $2,315 and $10,573 with full-service movers, $1,560 - $5,603 with a moving container, and $1,178 - $3,311 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,098 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include PacSun and Firmenich.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Anaheim, CA
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Anaheim run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,178 to $10,573, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,315 and $10,573, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,238 - $2,678. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($828 - $946), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $194/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.