($1,273+) Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $1,213 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,543 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,012 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 $2,333, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,543 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,755 - $5,881, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,213 - $3,340.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,559 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Moving options from Chicago to Santa Clarita fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,559 - $7,665 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,012-mile route typically takes 6 to 17 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,012-mile route from Chicago to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,333 - $5,131 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,755 - $3,268), rental truck ($1,213 - $2,245), or freight trailer ($1,489 - $2,971). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,559 - $7,665 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,543.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California, costs between $2,333 and $11,543. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,012-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $385 - $2,568, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Santa Clarita. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,333 - $5,131
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,559 - $7,665
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,411 - $11,543
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 Santa Clarita.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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 Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,284 - $3,852 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,210 - $12,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $962 - $1,827 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $835 - $2,568 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $385 - $19,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $385 - $4,494+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Santa Clarita?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $1,755 and $5,881. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,755 - $3,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,118 - $4,448
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,872 - $5,881
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $899 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $96 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $193 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Santa Clarita, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,755. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,118 - $4,448, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Santa Clarita?
- 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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA
Plan on $1,213 - $3,340 for a rental moving truck on the 2,012-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $822 - $939
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- 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 Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,213 - $2,245
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,739 - $3,340
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,213 - $3,340 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Santa Clarita. Fuel alone runs ($822 - $939) , and overnight lodging ($193/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $899.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $822 - $939 for the 2,012-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $77 and $417, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $193 per night for hotel stops on the 2,012-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $385 - $578.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Clarita, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,156 and $3,380.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,489 - $2,971
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,369 - $4,944
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $96 - $193 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $899.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Santa Clarita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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 Santa Clarita, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Clarita, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Santa Clarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 162 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $3,295/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $722,430 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $119,926/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 9.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 64.08/100 |
| 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 2,012-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,012-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA, run $2,333 - $11,543 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,755 - $5,881, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,213 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,559, 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 Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Santa Clarita, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,313 - $2,644. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,333 to $11,543, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,333 and $11,543, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Santa Clarita run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
