Best California to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,088 mile CA to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 401 California to Illinois moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Illinois. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to Illinois Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Illinois
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,088 miles from California to Illinois will cost on average $3,557 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to IL move is roughly $8,585. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Illinois as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,386 | 300 ft³ | 7.95 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,557 | 450 ft³ | 7.90 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,891 | 750 ft³ | 7.85 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,585 | 1100 ft³ | 7.80 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,407 | 1600 ft³ | 7.75 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,867 | 1800 ft³ | 7.70 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to California guide.
Popular California to Illinois Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CA to IL Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Illinois
Moving homes always brings its set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Illinois by comparing the pros and cons. Whether you're drawn to the Midwest for a new job, family, or simply a change of scenery, it's helpful to weigh both sides.
California- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Wildfire risks
- Earthquake threats
Illinois- Lower cost of living
- Less congested roads
- Seasonal weather
- Lower natural disaster risk
Illinois- Colder winters
- Less diverse cuisine
- Fewer big cities
- Limited tech hubs
California- Warm beaches
- Diverse culture
- Iconic cities
- Innovative tech scene
While both California and Illinois offer unique experiences, there are distinct differences that could affect your decision. For instance, California’s iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are known for their vibrant cultural scenes, innovative tech industries, and diverse cuisine, including famous establishments like In-N-Out Burger. On the flip side, Illinois, with Chicago at the forefront, boasts a world-renowned architectural skyline, thriving theater scene with venues like The Chicago Theatre, and a variety of neighborhood parks such as Lincoln Park. Moving to Illinois might mean giving up the year-round temperate weather and the beach lifestyle of California, but it also opens up opportunities for experiencing the vivid fall colors, snowy winters, and a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for many seeking change.
California vs. Illinois Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between California & Illinois is essential for understanding the cultural flavor of where you're moving. Food greatly contributes to the local culture and living experience. This comparison will give you a better grasp of the culinary scenes in both states.
| California | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sushi | Deep-dish pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip barbecue | Italian Beef Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado toast | Seitan hot wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
California and Illinois offer distinctly unique culinary experiences reflecting their diverse cultures and lifestyles. In California, you'll find an abundance of fresh, innovative cuisine, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where the food truck scene and vegan options are vast. Places like The French Laundry and In-N-Out Burger capture the state's range from high-end dining to beloved fast food. Meanwhile, Illinois, especially Chicago, is famed for its deep-dish pizza and hearty meat dishes, like the Italian Beef Sandwich. Iconic spots such as Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Alinea showcase the state's culinary range from traditional to contemporary. Whether you're craving a health-conscious salad by the beach or a filling meal in the Windy City, both states offer something for every palate.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, the difference in real estate between California and Illinois is crucial. This comparison will help highlight key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, ensuring you make an informed decision on your new home state.
| Comparison | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Revival, Modern | Prairie Style, Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Eco-friendly features | Proximity to Chicago, Historical features |
While California boasts an eye-watering median home price of $800,000, Illinois presents a more affordable housing market at $250,000. However, California wins in terms of an urban lifestyle, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences and modern amenities, slightly more appealing than Illinois' offering. Interestingly, architecture styles also vastly differ; Spanish Revival and Modern in California contrast with Illinois' love for Prairie Style and Victorian homes, lending each state a unique charm. Lastly, outdoor enthusiasts might find California's focus on eco-friendly features and ocean views in real estate listings more enticing, while Illinois offers historical features and a strong connection to the bustling life of Chicago.
California vs. Illinois Weather Considerations
Moving between states means adapting to new weather patterns. If you're relocating from California to Illinois, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between these two states to prepare yourself for the change. This guide offers a clear comparison to help you adjust seamlessly.
California
Illinois
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Illinois
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Illinois
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Illinois
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Varies widely, generally moderate | Generally good, urban areas can be moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Severe Winter Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When considering a move from California to Illinois, it's important to note the stark contrasts in weather patterns you'll encounter, especially in winter temperatures and natural disaster risks. Illinois experiences significantly colder winters with a fair amount of snowfall, contrasted by California's milder, wet winters in certain regions. Sunshine is far more abundant in California, offering over 280 sunny days a year compared to Illinois' 189, which might impact your daily life and activities. Additionally, the risk of natural disasters shifts from earthquakes and wildfires in California to tornadoes and severe winter storms in Illinois, necessitating different preparedness strategies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Illinois
When considering a move from one state to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. Comparing California to Illinois in terms of money and finance can shed light on how your cost of living, taxes, and income might change. This evaluation includes key indicators that best describe the purpose of the comparison, paving the way for a smoother transition.
| Comparison | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $76,708 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 94.25 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 4.95 (flat rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 2.16 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.56 | 8.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Severe | Moderate |
In comparing the financial landscapes of California and Illinois, it's evident that while California boasts a higher average household income, the cost of living significantly overshadows this advantage. Illinois, with its lower cost of living and flat state income tax rate, provides a potentially more manageable financial environment for many residents. However, property taxes in Illinois are among the highest in the country, which is a critical consideration for potential homeowners. Additionally, the difference in the top industries between the two states highlights the varying economic drivers, which could influence job opportunities based on your sector of employment. Understanding these variables is essential for making an informed decision about your move.
California vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison
This is a comparison of the politics between California & Illinois, providing a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of the states you’re transitioning between.
| California | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Mixed, with a Democratic lean |
| Local Politics | Progressive social policies | Combination of progressive and traditional |
| Religion | More secular, diverse religious communities | Religiously diverse with a significant Christian population |
In moving from California to Illinois, you'll find that while both states share a Democratic lean, the political climate and local politics in Illinois can be more varied. Illinois combines progressive ideals with traditional Midwestern values in some areas, possibly offering a blend that might feel different from what you're accustomed to in California. Religious diversity is a hallmark in both states, yet with Illinois, there's a more prominent presence of Christian communities alongside other faith groups. This subtle shift in the social fabric could provide a unique living experience, encapsulating a diverse range of views and beliefs.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Illinois
Moving from California to Illinois entails various adjustments, especially when it comes to education for your children. This guide aims to compare the differences between school options in California and Illinois, providing a clearer picture of what each state offers in terms of educational quality and opportunities.
| California | Illinois |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley USCUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Northwestern University University of Chicago | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes) Montemalaga Elementary School (Palos Verdes Estates) Hawthorne Elementary School (Beverly Hills)Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest) South Park Elementary School (Deerfield) Walden Elementary School (Deerfield) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael) Orinda Intermediate School (Orinda) Carmel Valley Middle School (San Diego)Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook) Marie Murphy School (Wilmette) Maple School (Northbrook) | |
Top 3 High Schools Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Troy High School (Fullerton)Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora) Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago) Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Webb Schools (Claremont)University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago) Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Thacher School (Ojai)Bennett Day School (Chicago) The British International School of Chicago Lincoln Park (Chicago) Morgan Park Academy (Chicago) | |
Top 3 School Districts Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District San Marino Unified School District Arcadia Unified School DistrictNorthbrook/Glenview School District 30 New Trier Township High School District 203 Community High School District 128 | |
Understanding the differences between educational systems in California and Illinois can significantly impact your decision when moving. For instance, Illinois prides itself on its private school options such as the University of Chicago Lab School in Chicago known for its rigorous academic program, which contrasts with California's strong public school offerings like Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto, renowned for its STEM curriculum. Furthermore, while California’s top colleges are highly sought after for their innovation and research opportunities, Illinois’s leading universities offer rich traditions in academic excellence and community involvement. By juxtaposing these educational institutions, you gain insights not just into the academic caliber but also into the cultural and community values each state upholds, aiding in a smoother transition for your family.
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