Quick answer: A typical 1,980-mile move from Chicago to Riverside runs $1,487–$8,486 and takes five to 16 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Riverside to Chicago guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Chicago to Riverside
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Chicago to Riverside isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to CA move
Local moving companies servicing Chicago to Riverside moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Riverside, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Riverside.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Riverside?
Chicago movers charge $100 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 | $1,546 - $5,956 | $1,439 - $3,382 | $1,445 - $2,760 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,854 - $8,486 | $2,484 - $5,109 | $1,487 - $3,416 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,886 - $13,414 | $3,613 - $6,891 | $2,032 - $4,103 |
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 $1,546 and $5,956. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,854 and $8,486 for the same journey (IL to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,886 to $13,414.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California
If you're moving from Illinois to California, expect to pay between $1,439 and $3,382 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,484 up to $5,109. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,613 and $6,891. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,445 and $2,760 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,487 to $3,416. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,032 to $4,103.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Riverside
What to know before moving from Chicago to Riverside
Moving from Chicago to Riverside means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Riverside, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Riverside so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $2,295 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $642,297 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $76,755 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,573 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $5,604 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Riverside, since prices are typically 12% higher than in Chicago.
- The home prices in Riverside are 117.2% 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 Riverside, where incomes are, on average, 7.3% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Riverside include Bourns, California Baptist University, and Riverside County Office of Education.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Riverside. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 29.5% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Riverside 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 39.5% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Riverside is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Riverside, since the city's sales taxes in Riverside are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Riverside are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,115.95 in Riverside to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Riverside
Riverside | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 317,261 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 43 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 72 |
Crime Index | 40.24 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 59.76 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Riverside's population is about 88% less than Chicago.
- Riverside's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Riverside is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Riverside has a bike-friendliness score 49 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.
- Riverside's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 40.24 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Riverside is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 59.76 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Riverside is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Riverside move
- Weather: Riverside has hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Riverside without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Riverside
Now that you've chosen City of Arts and Innovation as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Riverside to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Canyon Crest
- Victoria
- Downtown
- Magnolia Center
- La Sierra South
Best neighborhoods for families
- Orangecrest
- Mission Grove
- Canyon Crest
- Alessandro Heights
- Victoria
Things to do in Riverside
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore Riverside From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and Heritage House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio 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 California Baptist Lancers (College sports), UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports), or Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Riverside?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Riverside?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Riverside in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Riverside take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA covers 1,980 miles and usually takes five to 16 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 Riverside.