Highly rated local moving companies for Chicago to San Bernardino moves
Organizing a move from Chicago to San Bernardino can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 68 local movers in Chicago known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Chicago to San Bernardino.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to San Bernardino?
On average, moving companies in Illinois charge about $113 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,185 – $4,427 | $1,151 – $2,766 | $1,152 – $2,179 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,219 – $6,608 | $2,031 – $4,298 | $1,248 – $2,593 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,000 – $10,735 | $2,726 – $5,682 | $1,513 – $2,987 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to San Bernardino
When planning a move to San Bernardino from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,185 and $4,427. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,219 and $6,608 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,000 to $10,735.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to San Bernardino
When you’re heading from Chicago to San Bernardino, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,151 and $2,766. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,031 and $4,298. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,726 to $5,682. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to San Bernardino
A moving rental truck from Chicago to San Bernardino 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 $1,152 to $2,179. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,248 to $2,593, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to San Bernardino costs around $1,513 to $2,987.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to San Bernardino
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to San Bernardino may only cost $2,472, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,934.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,152–$2,756), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chicago to San Bernardino
Many movers find San Bernardino easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 44% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,054 for one person in San Bernardino versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $4,469 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,938 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,550 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $481,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $55,372 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,054 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,469 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to San Bernardino from Chicago with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 63% steeper in San Bernardino compared to Chicago.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 23% less in San Bernardino than in Chicago.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in San Bernardino. The cost of living for a single person there is 44% below that of Chicago.
- A move to San Bernardino can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 52% lower compared to Chicago.
- San Bernardino has a higher unemployment rate than Chicago by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 15% cheaper in San Bernardino compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 169% more in California than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus San Bernardino:
| Living Expense | Chicago | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $61.89 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in San Bernardino, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in San Bernardino.
How life is different in Chicago vs. San Bernardino
| Chicago | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 222,101 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 44 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 73.87 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 26.13 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Bernardino’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- San Bernardino’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- San Bernardino is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- San Bernardino has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- San Bernardino’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 73.87 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that San Bernardino neighborhoods are safer than 73.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- San Bernardino is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 26.13 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in San Bernardino is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to San Bernardino move
- HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and San Bernardino are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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 San Bernardino. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Bernardino
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Bernardino.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Pointe
- Riverview
- North International
- Valley View
- Seccombe Lane
Best neighborhoods for families
- Riverview
- South Pointe
- Small Canyon
- Thompson
- Crossroads
Things to do in San Bernardino
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Bernardino. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: San Bernardino is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Original McDonald’s Site and Museum, San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum, Norton AFB Museum, and Inland Empire Military Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Glen Helen Regional Park and Blair Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Inland Empire 66ers (Baseball)California State University of San Bernardino Coyotes game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to San Bernardino?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to San Bernardino. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to San Bernardino?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to San Bernardino? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to San Bernardino take?
The 1,971-mile move from Chicago, IL, to San Bernardino, , takes five to 16 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Bernardino.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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