$1,545 Movers from Chicago, IL to California
Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to California averages from $1,628 to $9,010 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Chicago, IL guide.
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to California. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Chicago, IL to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to California.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Chicago, IL to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,139 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to California?
Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,545 - $6,095 | $1,480 - $3,666 | $1,504 - $2,903 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,192 - $9,010 | $2,632 - $5,431 | $1,628 - $3,455 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,863 - $13,686 | $3,610 - $7,343 | $2,054 - $4,234 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,139 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Chicago, IL to California will depend on:
- Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
- Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Pick from the Best Chicago to California Movers
Hiring a moving company is a big deal.
We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to California?
To ship furniture from Chicago to California with a mover will cost between $1,545 to $6,095. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Chi-Town to CA will range from $4,192 to $9,010, and a large move from Chicago to California will cost from $7,863 to $13,686.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to California?
Moving pods from Chicago to California will cost you $1,480 to $3,666 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,632 to $5,431. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,610 to $7,343.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,504 to $2,903. A larger move will cost $1,628 to $3,455, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to California costs from $2,054 to $4,234.
Is moving from Chicago, IL to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs California
| Chicago, IL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,503 |
| Average home cost | $306,098 | $758,360 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $78,672 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.8% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 9% less expensive in California than in Chicago.
- Home prices are about 181.5% higher in California than in Chicago.
- The average income is about 19.8% higher in California than in Chicago.
- California has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 62.7%.
- Income taxes are 168.69% higher in California than in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago, IL from California?
| Chicago, IL | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 39,237,836 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer High | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter Low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual Rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual Snow | 35" | 7" |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 25.7 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of California is approximately 1,329% greater than the population of Chicago.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
- California has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 25.7.
Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Chicago, IL | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious food | Pleasant weather |
| Abundant entertainment | Abundant recreational options |
| Intense sports culture | High quality of life |
| Ample economic opportunity | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for California.
| Cons of living in Chicago, IL | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Temperamental weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| Terrible traffic | Natural disasters |
| High taxes | Terrible traffic |
| Pollution | Strange laws |
Considerations for moving to California
- 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 forward to California. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Chicago movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
| Moovers Chicago Inc | Get A Quote |
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5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (847) 378-4949 |
Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in California?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Griffith Observatory
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Norton Simon Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Tallac Historic Site
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- Oakland Museum of California
- March Field Air Museum
- Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
- MacKerricher State Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Greystone Mansion and Park
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
- Serra Cross Park
- Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Palisades Park
- Irvine 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)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Northridge
