Quick answer: A typical 2,082-mile move from Chicago to Chula Vista runs $1,301 – $7,702 and takes about six to 17 days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Chula Vista to Chicago.
Our track record
Best movers by type
From Illinois to California, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Chicago has 21 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.
After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Chicago for every moving option.
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Chula Vista
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Chicago to Chula Vista, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
There are 21 interstate moving companies in Chicago, here are our top picks that can get you to Chula Vista with less stress and more peace of mind.
What moving services are available in Chicago?
How we chose the best movers IL→CA movers
Top local movers for Chicago to Chula Vista moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Chicago that also handles long-distance moves to Chula Vista. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Chicago who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Chicago to Chula Vista.
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- MiniMoves Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 145
DOT #: 1343707
Alternate Names: Reebie Data Bank , Reebie Storage & Moving , Reebie/Allied Van Lines Agent
Services Offered
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 28205
Years in Business: 52
DOT #: 2440000
Alternate Names: Aaron Bros. Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 107443
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 526036
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 93712
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 504435
Alternate Names: Golan’s Moving and Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Chula Vista?
Movers in Illinois charge $113 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,324 – $5,123 | $1,228 – $2,979 | $1,290 – $2,343 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,636 – $7,702 | $2,162 – $4,639 | $1,301 – $2,960 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,557 – $11,840 | $3,025 – $6,081 | $1,676 – $3,345 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Chula Vista
When planning a move to Chula Vista from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,324 and $5,123. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,636 and $7,702 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,557 to $11,840.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Chula Vista
When you’re heading from Chicago to Chula Vista, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,228 and $2,979. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,162 and $4,639. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,025 to $6,081. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Chula Vista
A moving rental truck from Chicago to Chula Vista 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 $1,290 to $2,343. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,301 to $2,960, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Chula Vista costs around $1,676 to $3,345.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Chula Vista

What to know before moving from Chicago to Chula Vista
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chula Vista runs about 96% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $7,167 in Chicago versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $12,120 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Chicago | Chula Vista | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,500 |
Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $4,500 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $844,142 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $92,913 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.9% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 52% more expensive in Chula Vista than in Chicago; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 185% higher in Chula Vista than in Chicago.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 30% higher in Chula Vista than in Chicago, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chula Vista, since the cost of living for a single person in Chula Vista is 96% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Chula Vista, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chula Vista is 31% higher than in Chicago.
- Chula Vista has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 12%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 15% lower in Chula Vista than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Chula Vista can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Chula Vista:
Living Expense | Chicago | Chula Vista |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $191.26 | $277.33 |
Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $62.50 |
Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $5.83 |
Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.50 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $21.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
Gym membership | $78.31 | $20.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Chula Vista, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Chula Vista.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Chula Vista.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Chula Vista.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Chula Vista.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Chula Vista.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Chula Vista
Chicago | Chula Vista | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 275,487 |
Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 77 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 41 |
Crime index | 35.19 | 56.3 |
Safety index | 33.87 | 43.7 |
Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chula Vista’s population is about 90% less than Chicago.
- Chula Vista’s public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago’s higher score of 9.
- Chula Vista is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Chula Vista has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Chula Vista’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 56.3 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Chula Vista neighborhoods are safer than 56.3% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Chula Vista is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 43.7 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Chula Vista is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Chula Vista move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chula Vista. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chula Vista
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chula Vista.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Eastlake
- Hilltop
- Otay Ranch
- Sunbow
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastlake
- Otay Ranch
- Rancho Del Rey
- Bonita
- Sunbow
Things to do in Chula Vista
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Chula Vista has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chula Vista, such as the Chula Vista Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Chula Vista Bayside Park, Marina View Park, Mountain Hawk Park, and Discovery Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chula Vista is the site of the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, formerly the Olympic Training Center.[127] The U.S. national rugby team practices at the OTC. game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Chula Vista?
The best time to move from Chicago to Chula Vista is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Chula Vista?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Chula Vista, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Chula Vista take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, covers 2,082 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chula Vista.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 25 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 20 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 29 piano movers and 25 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 1,607 and 1,131.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Chicago moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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