($1,181+) Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,181 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,077 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,041 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,212, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,077 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,638 - $6,062, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,181 - $3,322.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,411 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Moving options from Chicago to Sacramento fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,411 - $6,972 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 62% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,041 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,041-mile route from Chicago to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,212 - $4,878 | $1,638 - $2,929 | $1,181 - $2,324 | $1,417 - $2,691 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,411 - $6,972 | $2,099 - $4,235 | $1,291 - $2,551 | $1,728 - $3,491 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,839 - $11,077 | $2,904 - $6,062 | $1,598 - $3,322 | $2,254 - $4,803 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,041-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Sacramento, California, with prices running from $2,212 - $11,077. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $343 - $2,288 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Sacramento are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,212 - $4,878
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,411 - $6,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,839 - $11,077
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Sacramento.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sacramento, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $572 - $5,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $229 - $1,373/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $343 - $2,746 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,144 - $3,432 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,860 - $11,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $857 - $1,628 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,144 - $2,860 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $915 - $4,004 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $343 - $1,716 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $744 - $2,288 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $343 - $17,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $343 - $4,004+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Sacramento?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,638 and $6,062. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Sacramento. If you go over that window, storage in Chicago adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,638 - $2,929
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,099 - $4,235
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,904 - $6,062
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Sacramento, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $801 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $86 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $172 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,638. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,099 - $4,235.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Sacramento?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
A rental truck for this 2,041-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Sacramento, California, costs between $1,181 and $3,322. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $743 - $849
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,181 - $2,324
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,598 - $3,322
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Sacramento looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,181 - $3,322. But once you factor in fuel ($743 - $849), overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $743 - $849 for the 2,041-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $801.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,041-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $172 per night, adding $343 - $515 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $57 and $343.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Sacramento?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Sacramento, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,728 and $3,491.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,417 - $2,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,491
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,254 - $4,803
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $86 and $172.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $801.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Sacramento?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Sacramento, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sacramento, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 127 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 50.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 295 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,041-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,041-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Sacramento, CA, run $2,212 - $11,077 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,638 - $6,062, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,181 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,411, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Sacramento, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($743 - $849), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $172/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Sacramento?
Sacramento has a walkability score of 49 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,181 to $11,077, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,212 and $11,077, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Sacramento run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.