Top Chicago, IL to Fontana, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Fontana to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to California will cost between $1,560 and $5,777. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to CA will range from $3,911 to $8,623, and a large move from Illinois to California will cost from $7,140 to $12,927.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California

If you're relocating from Illinois to California, you'll typically spend between $1,499 and $3,428 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,468 up to $4,967. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,587 and $7,330. 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 usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,359 and $2,838. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,564 and $3,280. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,894 up to $4,176 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Fontana, since prices are typically 47% higher than in Chicago.
• The home prices in Fontana are 113.6% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Fontana, where incomes are, on average, 1.9% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Fontana include California Steel Industries, Fontana Unified, and California Aseptic Beverages.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fontana. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 18.5% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Fontana can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 25.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Fontana is 15.56% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fontana, since the city's sales taxes in Fontana are 24.39% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Fontana are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

• Fontana's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
• Fontana's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Fontana is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Fontana has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Fontana and Chicago have a similar crime rate.
• Fontana is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 68.35 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Fontana is good, and in Chicago it's good.

• Weather: Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 °F
• 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Fontana. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown Fontana
• North Fontana
• Rancho Fontana
• South Fontana
• Walnut Village

Best neighborhoods for families

• Sierra Lakes
• Hunter's Ridge
• Southridge Village
• Heritage Village
• Summit Heights

Things to do in Fontana

After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fontana has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Fontana is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Mary Vagle Museum & Nature Center.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Fontana Fury (Football) and Fontana Flyers (Basketball) game.