Top Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA Movers

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

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to California

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to California typically costs between $1,566 and $6,025. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,013 and $9,323 when moving from IL to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $7,999 up to $13,119.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to California

If you're moving from Illinois to California, expect to pay between $1,525 and $3,555 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,819 up to $5,822. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,832 and $7,199. 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 is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,570 and $3,091. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,600 to $3,610. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,062 and $4,510.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 51% higher than in Chicago.
• The home prices in San Jose are 391.5% 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 San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 16.6% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
• The cost of living for a single person is the same in San Jose and Chicago.
• A move to San Jose 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 9.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 26.67% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city's sales taxes in San Jose are 8.49% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

• San Jose might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 65% less than Chicago.
• Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• San Jose neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 47.73 in San Jose, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Chicago, based on San Jose's safety index of 52.27 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Chicago, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Chicago is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
• 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• 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 Jose. 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Burbank
• Downtown
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families

• Berryessa
• Cambrian Park
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Things to do in San Jose

Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Jose From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Jose, such as the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.