$1,453 Movers From Chicago, IL to California

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to California averages from $1,531 to $8,389 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to California resources

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 cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
• 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.

The best Chicago to California moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to California is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to California.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
• North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
• JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves North American Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

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 move from Chicago, IL to California?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to California:

*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: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to California will cost between $1,453 to $5,787. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to CA will range from $3,941 to $8,389, and a large move from Chicago to California will cost from $6,885 to $12,615.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to California?

Moving pods from Chicago to California will cost you $1,461 to $3,345. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,525 to $4,904. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,361 to $7,252. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to California.

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.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,443 to $2,594. A larger move will cost $1,531 to $3,282, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to California costs from $1,952 to $4,062.

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

• Rent is about the same cost in California and Chicago.
• Home prices are about 176.5% higher in California than in Chicago.
• The average income is about 33.5% higher in California than in Chicago.
• California has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 91.3%.
• Income taxes are 168.69% higher in California than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from California?

• The population of California is approximately 1,321% 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 27.88.

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.

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.

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. 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: 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 ACM Movers	Get A Quote	4.04 overall rating	415 W Howard St, Evanston, IL, 60202 (847) 563-0920
Moovers Chicago Inc	Get A Quote	5 overall rating	5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691
Mid-West Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007 (847) 593-7201

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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California

• What is the cost to move to California?
• Best moving companies in California