Things to know before moving from Illinois to Stockton, CA

Cost of living: Illinois vs Stockton, CA

Illinois Stockton
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,775
Average home value $249,224 $437,561
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $63,915
Unemployment rate 5% 10%
State income tax 5% 13%
  • Rent is about 51% more expensive in Stockton than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 76% higher in Stockton than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 19% lower in Stockton than in Illinois.
  • Stockton has a higher unemployment rate than Illinois by about 94%.
  • Income taxes are 169% higher in Stockton than in Illinois.

How life is different in Stockton from Illinois

Stockton Illinois
Population 320,804 12,549,689
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 93ºF 86ºF
Winter low 38ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 17" 40"
Annual snow 0" 22"
Crime index 75.2 19.7
  • The population of Stockton is approximately 97% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Stockton voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Stockton is 93ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Stockton reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 17 inches of annual rainfall in Stockton vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Stockton, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Stockton has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 75.2 vs 19.7.

Things to do in Stockton

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Stockton.

Museums in Stocktontoggle

  • The Haggin Museum
  • Children's Museum of Stockton

Parks in Stocktontoggle

  • University Park World Peace Rose Garden

Sports Teams in Stocktontoggle

  • Stockton Heat (AHL)
  • Stockton Kings (NBA G League)
  • Stockton Ports (Low-A West)

Universities in Stocktontoggle

  • University of the Pacific
  • California State University, Stanislaus
  • Humphreys University
  • Kaplan College of Stockton
  • Christian Life College

Other considerations when moving to Stockton, CA

  • Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Illinois to Stockton take?

The time frame for a move from Illinois to Stockton, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Illinois, the longer the drive time to Stockton will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Stockton from Illinois can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Stockton?

Because of the 2036-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Stockton as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Stockton, CA?

With the summer highs of 93ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Stockton from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Stockton during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources