Top Chicago, IL to Irvine, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Irvine 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 $1,488 and $6,017. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,001 and $9,057 for the same journey (IL to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,803 to $12,978.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California

If you're relocating from Illinois to California, you'll typically spend between $1,420 and $3,585 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,708 up to $5,254. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,498 and $7,088. 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 $1,447 and $2,818. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,598 and $3,421. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,035 up to $3,863 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Irvine, since prices are typically 96% higher than in Chicago.
• The home prices in Irvine are 428.1% 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 Irvine, where incomes are, on average, 59.3% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 151.3% higher than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 94.3% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Irvine is 40.00% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the city's sales taxes in Irvine are 24.39% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Irvine are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

• Irvine's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
• Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Irvine is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Both Irvine and Chicago have the same bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, meaning Irvine is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Irvine's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 31.01 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Irvine is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 68.99 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Chicago it's good.

• Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
• 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 Irvine. 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

• Westpark
• Westpark II
• Oak Creek
• Woodbridge
• University Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Westpark II
• Turtle Rock
• Woodbridge
• South Irvine
• Northwood Point

Things to do in Irvine

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

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Irvine include museums and art centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo), Adult Basketball Leagues, Adult Soccer Leagues, or Adult Softball Leagues game.