$1,480 Movers From Chicago to Sacramento

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA averages from $1,469 to $8,582 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Sacramento, CA.

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

Moving from Chicago to Sacramento resources

Moving 2,046 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Sacramento?

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 $1,480 - $5,668 $1,421 - $3,318 $1,397 - $2,643
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,918 - $8,582 $2,314 - $4,763 $1,469 - $3,146
4+ bedrooms $7,200 - $12,972 $3,368 - $6,697 $1,853 - $3,930
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,046 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Sacramento will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Sacramento?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Sacramento will cost between $1,480 to $5,668. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,918 to $8,582, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Sacramento will cost from $7,200 to $12,972.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Sacramento?

Moving containers from Chicago to Sacramento will cost you $1,421 to $3,318 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,314 to $4,763. A larger home will cost $3,368 to $6,697.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Sacramento?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,397 to $2,643. A larger move will cost $1,469 to $3,146, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Sacramento costs from $1,853 to $3,930. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Sacramento moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Sacramento is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Sacramento.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Sacramento

Cost of living: Chicago vs Sacramento

Chicago Sacramento
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,900
Average home value $306,098 $466,890
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $71,074
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,743
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $6,178
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.7%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.75%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Sacramento are 19% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Sacramento are 52.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Sacramento is 8.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 174.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 72.4% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 14.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Sacramento are 14.63% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Sacramento are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $8,220.78 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Sacramento?

Sacramento Chicago
Population 524,943 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 49 77
Bike friendliness score 67 72
Crime Index 38.68 35.19
Safety Index 49.77 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Sacramento's population is about 81% less than Chicago.
  • Sacramento's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Sacramento is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Sacramento is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Sacramento's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 38.68 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 38.68% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Sacramento is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.77 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Sacramento is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Sacramento

  • Weather: Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog..
  • 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.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Sacramento. 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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Sacramento

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Almond Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Sacramento.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Downtown Sacramento
  • East Sacramento
  • Land Park
  • Natomas Park
  • North Oak Park

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Boulevard Park
  • River Park
  • Land Park
  • Village 7
  • East Sacramento
  • Natomas Park

What to do in Sacramento

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Old Town Sac
  • William Land Park
  • California State Capitol Museum
  • Discovery Park
  • Discovery Museum
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Wineries/Strad Meadery
  • UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
  • Midtown
  • California State Indian Museum
  • Adventures on the River
  • Crocker Art Museum
  • American River Bike Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail)
  • KennedyGold Mine
  • McKinley Park Rose Garden
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • Sacramento Zoo
  • First Friday Oak Park
  • Roseville
  • Fairytale Town
  • Raging Waters Sacramento
  • Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
  • Sac State Arboretum
  • Nimbus Fish Hatchery
  • Sacramento Mural Tour

Get your sports on!

Sacramento is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
  • Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Sacramento

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Sacramento?

The best time to move from Chicago to Sacramento is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 93ºF and the winter lows of 39ºF in Sacramento.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Sacramento?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Sacramento in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Sacramento