($1,136) Movers From Illinois to San Francisco, CA

1. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to San Francisco, CA

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to San Francisco, CA, typically costs between $1,136 and $4,782. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,301 and $6,871. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to San Francisco, CA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,011 up to $10,325.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to San Francisco, CA

When relocating from Illinois to San Francisco, CA, you’ll typically spend between $1,111 and $2,778 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,118 up to $4,154. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,682 and $5,666. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to San Francisco, CA

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 from Illinois to San Francisco, CA, expect to pay between $1,162 and $2,177. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,271 to $2,749. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,526 and $3,367.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent in San Francisco is approximately 176% higher than in Illinois. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
• Home prices are about 398% higher in San Francisco than in Illinois. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
• Salaries in San Francisco are usually 74% higher than in Illinois, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
• Unemployment in San Francisco (5.4%) and Illinois (5.3%) are about the same, so expect a comparable job market.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

• Illinois and San Francisco both voted Democratic in the last election.
• In summer, highs in San Francisco average 67ºF, compared to 86ºF in Illinois. Making the move to a cooler place lets you beat the heat, save on energy bills, and spend more time outdoors.
• During the coldest months, temperatures in San Francisco usually drop to around 46ºF, while in Illinois, they can fall as low as 17ºF. Moving to San Francisco means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
• You can expect only about 25 inches of annual rainfall in San Francisco vs the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. With less rain each year, you’ll enjoy more sunshine and freedom to get outside without worrying about the weather. This kind of climate can be a real boost for your energy and outlook when you’re moving.
• San Francisco doesn’t get snow, while Illinois sees around 22 inches annually. Relocating to San Francisco means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
• Crime rates in San Francisco are higher than in Illinois, with a crime index of 61.41 versus 19.7. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.

• HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
• Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
• Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
• 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in California, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
• Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to California on time. Get started here.
• Mover’s 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.