Top Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Fresno 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

Planning a move from Illinois to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,581 and $5,994. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,330 and $8,682 for the same journey (IL to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,732 to $13,458.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California

Moving from Illinois to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,529 and $3,679. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,588 to $5,450. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,476 up to $7,517. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois 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 $1,479 to $3,089. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,585 to $3,432, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to California costs around $2,061 to $4,463.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent prices in Fresno are 19% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Fresno are 28.9% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Fresno is 12.0% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fresno — including Community Hospitals of Central California, Fresno City College, and PrideStaff — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fresno. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 37.6% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Fresno 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 42.2% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Fresno is 21.22% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fresno, since the city's sales taxes in Fresno are 22.15% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Fresno are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

• Fresno might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Fresno without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Fresno has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Fresno neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 47 out of 100, Fresno isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Fresno, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Fresno earned a 58. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Fresno is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 56.85 in Fresno, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Fresno than in Chicago, based on Fresno's safety index of 43.15 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Fresno isn't as good as it is in Chicago, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Fresno has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Chicago is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• Weather: Fresno has mild, wet winters and very long, hot, dry summers.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fresno. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Tower District
• Mural District
• Mclane
• Central Fresno

Best neighborhoods for families

• Woodrow Park
• Fig Garden
• Mclane
• Sunnyside

Things to do in Fresno

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Fresno is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fresno, such as the Meux Home Museum, Fresno Discovery Center, Fresno Art Museum, Legion of Valor Museum, and Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Woodward Regional Park, Oso de Oro Park, and Inspiration Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Fresno Grizzlies (Low-A West) and Fresno Monsters (Premier Hockey League) game.