$1,544 Movers from Chicago to San Diego

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA averages from $1,595 to $8,982 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to San Diego, CA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Chicago guide.

Moving 2,082 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to San Diego?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,544 - $6,033 $1,459 - $3,615 $1,474 - $2,843
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,159 - $8,982 $2,597 - $5,353 $1,595 - $3,384
4+ bedrooms $7,798 - $13,544 $3,560 - $7,231 $2,013 - $4,145
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,082 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 San Diego will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

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Who Are The Best Chicago to San Diego Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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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 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • 74 years in biz
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(844) 950-2963

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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to San Diego?

To ship furniture from Chicago to San Diego with a mover will cost between $1,544 to $6,033. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $4,159 to $8,982, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to San Diego will cost from $7,798 to $13,544.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to San Diego?

Moving containers from Chicago to San Diego will cost you $1,459 to $3,615 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,597 to $5,353. A larger home will cost $3,560 to $7,231.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,474 to $2,843. A larger move will cost $1,595 to $3,384, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to San Diego costs from $2,013 to $4,145.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA a good idea?

Cost of Living: Chicago vs San Diego

Chicago San Diego
Average rent cost $1,595 $2,374
Average home value $306,098 $944,228
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $66,995
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,028
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,686
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.75%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent Prices in San Diego, CA are 49% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Home Prices in San Diego, CA are 208.5% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Income in San Diego, CA is 2.1% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in San Diego, CA is 2.7% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Cost of Living for a family in San Diego, CA is 2.8% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 22.22% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Sales Taxes in San Diego, CA are 24.39% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • State Income Taxes in San Diego, CA are 168.69% higher than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,919.1 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA?

San Diego Chicago
Population 1,386,932 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 53 77
Bike friendliness score 43 72
Crime Index 21.98 35.19
Safety Index 62.95 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Diego’s population is about 49% less than Chicago.
  • San Diego’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 6 vs 9.
  • San Diego is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 53 vs 77.
  • San Diego is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 43 vs 72.
  • San Diego's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 21.98 compared to 35.19.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 62.95 vs 33.87.
  • Air Quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to San Diego, CA

  • Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round..
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 forward to San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • 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
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(847) 378-4949

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in San Diego, CA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods in San Diego to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

What to do in San Diego

Moving to The “America's Finest City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • San Diego Zoo
  • The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
  • Legoland
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Coronado Island
  • North Park
  • Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
  • Seaport Village
  • Belmont Park
  • Pacific Beach
  • Liberty Public Market
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Mexican Food
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala
  • Museum of US (Balboa Park)
  • UCSD Stuart Art Collection
  • San Diego Central Library
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • Grant Hill Park

Get your sports on!

San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about San Diego