Best Huntington Beach to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Huntington Beach to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,089 mile move from California to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Huntington Beach to Chicago 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 RL Relocation), 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 Huntington Beach compared to Chicago. 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.

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Best Huntington Beach to Chicago Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1RL Relocation9.449.37Authorized For HHGContact
2606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
4Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.8.788.88Authorized For HHGContact
5The Student Movers8.448.8Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Huntington Beach to Chicago

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,089 miles from Huntington Beach, CA to Chicago, IL will cost on average $3,558 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Huntington Beach to Chicago move is roughly $8,587. 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 and dropoff 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 movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,387300 ft³7.96
1 Bedroom$3,558450 ft³7.91
2 Bedrooms$5,892750 ft³7.86
3 Bedrooms$8,5871100 ft³7.81
4 Bedrooms$12,4101600 ft³7.76
5+ Bedrooms$13,8711800 ft³7.71
*Please note: These California to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Illinois. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to IL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Huntington Beach guide.

Compare the 5 Best Huntington Beach to Chicago Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

RL Relocation Logo

RL Relocation

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 867+ data points

Cornell Dr

Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

About RL Relocation

RL Relocation is a full-service moving company that has been in business for several years. Based in California, they offer local...

Services

  • Whole Home Moves
  • Local and Long Distance
  • Packing and Organizing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2984580 / 15998

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved159,984 (2022)
View Full Review
1
606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
3
C

Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.

Superb8.78/10
based on 455+ data points

3480 W Warner Ave suite h

Santa Ana, CA, 92704

About Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.

Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc. is a family-owned and operated business located in Santa Ana, California, in the heart of Orange...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2721717 / 114564

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved48,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
The Student Movers Logo

The Student Movers

Fabulous8.44/10
based on 796+ data points

21890 Beach Blvd

Huntington Beach, CA, 92648

About The Student Movers

With locations in Murrieta, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, The Student Movers serves clients from California, offering local, intrastate, and interstate...

Services

  • Full Service (I need a truck and people to help load it)
  • Labor Only (I just need the people to help me)
  • Home Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2769852 / 61421

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be both exciting and daunting, especially when venturing into an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Huntington Beach, CA, and Chicago, IL , aiming to familiarize you with your new surroundings by comparing them to what you already know. Let's explore the unique vibes and characteristics that pair each Huntington Beach neighborhood with its Chicago counterpart.

Huntington BeachChicagoHow They're Similar
Downtown Huntington BeachWicker ParkVibrant nightlife and indie shops
Huntington HarbourLakeviewLakeside living and boating community
SeaCliffLincoln ParkUpscale, green spaces and zoo
Edwards HillGold CoastLuxury homes and historic buildings
Sunset BeachRogers ParkBeachfront and diverse food scene
Ocean ViewEdgewaterBeachy feel with eclectic mix of cultures
YorktownOld TownHistoric charm with modern twist
Bolsa ChicaUptownHistoric district with live music venues
GarfieldLogan SquareBooming arts scene and craft breweries
SummerlaneAndersonvilleStrong sense of community and unique shopping

In the heart of Huntington Beach, the vibrant pulse of Downtown pulses similarly to Chicago's Wicker Park where indie shops and eclectic eateries line the bustling streets. Both are perfect for those who love an energetic nightlife paired with a strong sense of local community. If it's the serene, upscale beach life of SeaCliff that you're leaving behind, Chicago's Lincoln Park might be your next favorite spot, boasting not just green space and upscale amenities but also cultural attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo. Meanwhile, the artsy and community-focused atmosphere of Garfield finds a kindred spirit in Chicago's Logan Square, where local galleries, murals, and a thriving craft beer scene await. These comparisons aim to help you visualize and embrace the unique flavors of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, making your transition smoother and more exciting.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Huntington Beach to Chicago

Moving from charming Huntington Beach, CA to vibrant Chicago, IL is an adventure filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison is aimed at providing an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Huntington Beach to Chicago , helping you navigate the transition seamlessly.

CONs
PROs
Huntington Beach, CA iconHuntington Beach, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Frequent traffic jams
  • Less diverse seasons
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • More affordable housing
  • Efficient public transit
  • Four distinct seasons
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • No beaches
  • Harsh winters
  • Faster pace of life
Huntington Beach, CA iconHuntington Beach, CA
  • Beach access
  • Sunny weather
  • Laid-back lifestyle

While leaving the laid-back, sunny setting of Huntington Beach might seem daunting, Chicago presents a diverse and enriching cultural landscape that could easily become your new home. Chicago's public transit system, highlighted by the CTA, makes getting around a breeze, in stark contrast to the traffic jams you might be used to. Here, you'll experience all four seasons in their full glory, from the blooming springs along the Lakefront Trail to the vibrant fall colors in Lincoln Park. The architectural marvels and the bustling food scene, from deep-dish pizza at Pequod's Pizza to innovative dishes at Alinea, provide an exhilarating environment that's markedly different from the beach cafes and surf shops of Huntington. Chicago's winters might be harsh, but they also bring unique joys like ice skating in Millennium Park and winter festivals that light up the city.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Huntington Beach & Chicago, highlighting the diverse culinary landscapes. Food is integral to understanding the local culture and lifestyle of a new city. This comparison will help you get a feel for the dining scenes in your current and future homes.

Huntington BeachChicago
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosDeep-Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishCalifornia BurritoItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemStreet TacosChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan BowlsSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Duke's Huntington Beach
  • Simmzy's
  • Sancho's Tacos
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Huntington Beach, the coastal lifestyle deeply influences local cuisine, leading to an emphasis on fresh seafood and health-conscious options. Fish tacos and vegan bowls dominate menus, with establishments like Duke's Huntington Beach and Sancho's Tacos leading the food scene. Moving to Chicago, you'll find a dramatic shift towards hearty, comfort foods with deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches as quintessential eats. Chicago's food scene is rich and diverse, with neighborhoods like West Loop and River North offering a mix of high-end dining experiences at places like Alinea, and casual, classic eats at spots like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Portillo's. Both cities boast vibrant food scenes, but with distinct flavors and dining experiences reflective of their unique cultures.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a fundamental role in making a place feel like home. By comparing the top restaurants in Huntington Beach with their counterparts in Chicago, this guide aims to help new residents find their new favorite eateries, making the transition from Huntington Beach to Chicago seamless and delicious.

Huntington BeachChicagoWhat You'll Love
Duke's Huntington BeachShaw's Crab HouseBoth offer fresh, high-quality seafood in a friendly atmosphere.
Sugar Shack CaféAnn SatherIconic breakfast spots specializing in hearty meals and a homey vibe.
SlapfishThe Angry CrabBoth serve up casual but flavor-packed seafood dishes in a laid-back setting.
Mama's on 39Giordano'sComfort food with a local twist, specializing in satisfying deep-dish pizzas.
Sushi on FireSushi-SanOffering an energetic atmosphere with high-quality, innovative sushi rolls.
WatertableThe Signature Room at the 95thHigh-end dining with stunning views and an unforgettable dining experience.
Sandy's Beach ShackThe Dock at Montrose BeachBoth offer a beachside dining experience with a relaxed vibe and great food.
Main Street Wine CompanyCity WineryA cozy spot for wine enthusiasts to explore a diverse range of wines within an urban setting.
Simmzy'sThe PublicanAn emphasis on craft beer paired with upscale pub fare in a communal setting.
Duke's Huntington BeachThe Purple PigShowcasing a love for Mediterranean flavors, especially seafood, in an inviting setting.

While each city has its unique dining culture, Huntington Beach and Chicago share a love for diverse, high-quality dining options. For instance, seafood lovers who frequented Slapfish in Huntington Beach will delight in the similar laid-back, seafood-focused atmosphere of The Angry Crab in Chicago. Meanwhile, those who cherished the upscale, serene dining experience at Watertable will find a Chicago equivalent in The Signature Room at the 95th, which also combines stunning views with exquisite meals. Moreover, wine aficionados will appreciate the transition from Main Street Wine Company to City Winery, where the exploration of fine wines can continue amidst Chicago's vibrant urban landscape. Each comparison not only represents a bridge between two cities but also highlights the dynamic culinary scenes that make each place unique.

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Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most crucial aspects of a move. Understanding how housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle options compare between Huntington Beach, CA, and Chicago, IL, can significantly impact your decision-making process.

ComparisonHuntington BeachChicago
Typical Architecture StyleModern, BeachfrontHistoric, Skyscrapers
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean Views, LuxuriousCultural Richness, Accessible Public Transit

If you're moving from Huntington Beach to Chicago, you'll find striking differences in the housing scene. For instance, Chicago's real estate market is much more affordable, making it easier for you to find a place that suits your budget. Plus, Chicago's rich cultural scene and historic architecture, from towering skyscrapers to vintage brownstones, offer diverse living options. The city's high walkability score reflects its dense urban layout, where necessities and attractions are often just a short walk away. Moreover, Chicago's commitment to public transit and bike-friendly streets enhances urban living, ensuring you can navigate the city with ease, similar to the convenience you might be used to in Huntington Beach but with a more vibrant urban backdrop.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.

2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.

3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

Understanding the weather differences between your current and future home is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison highlights how the climate varies between Huntington Beach and Chicago, providing insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more. Being prepared will help you adapt more easily to your new environment.

Summer icon
70°F/65°F

Huntington Beach, CA

85°F/65°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F/47°F

Huntington Beach, CA

35°F/22°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13

Huntington Beach, CA

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Huntington Beach, CA

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonHuntington BeachChicago
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Tornados
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Huntington Beach offers a consistent, mild climate year-round with plenty of sunshine, moving to Chicago introduces a much more varied weather experience. You'll face hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, a significant change from the coastal climate of Huntington Beach. The substantial increase in annual snowfall in Chicago, along with its potential for extreme weather conditions like snowstorms and tornados, marks a stark contrast to the earthquakes and wildfires more common to Huntington Beach. Adjusting to Chicago's climate will require a variety of clothing and possibly even a new set of winter driving skills.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Huntington Beach to Chicago

When planning a move between two distinct locations, comprehending the financial and economic differences is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how relocating from Huntington Beach to Chicago might affect your wallet. It provides an insightful look at money and finance aspects in both cities, helping you gauge the change in living expenses and economic landscape you're about to navigate.

ComparisonHuntington BeachChicago
Avg. Household Income$107,808$66,576
Cost of Living Index136.4116.9
State Income Tax13.34.95
Avg. Property Tax0.722.10
Avg. Sales Tax7.7510.25
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Education, HealthcareFinance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateHigh

The economic landscape significantly differs between Huntington Beach and Chicago. Huntington Beach presents a higher average household income, which matches its higher cost of living index. On the flip side, the more moderate cost of living in Chicago comes with a catch—higher property taxes and sales taxes. However, Chicago's diverse economic base, strong in finance and IT, offers a plethora of opportunities. Moreover, it's essential to note the difference in the state income tax, significantly lower in Chicago, which could partially offset the higher taxes elsewhere. Understanding these dynamics is key to planning your financial transition smoothly.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Huntington Beach, CA, to Chicago, IL, it's crucial to understand the communities you'll be joining. This comparison of the politics between Huntington Beach & Chicago offers a quick glimpse into the political leanings, local political climate, and religious affiliations of both cities' residents, providing a valuable perspective on your potential new home.

Huntington BeachChicago
Political Make-upMore conservativeMore liberal
Local PoliticsMix of Republican and Democratic leadershipStrongly Democratic leadership
ReligionDiverse, with Christian and non-religious individualsDiverse, with a significant Catholic population

When moving from Huntington Beach to Chicago, you'll find the political climate shifts notably. Huntington Beach, with its mix of Republican and Democratic leadership, reflects a more conservative stance, unlike Chicago's predominantly Democratic governance. This difference is crucial for understanding your potential engagement in local politics and community initiatives. Religion plays a significant role in both cities' cultural fabric; however, the presence of a significant Catholic community in Chicago might be more pronounced compared to the religious diversity of Huntington Beach. Adjusting to these differences can significantly impact your integration and experience in your new city.

Huntington Beach vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Huntington Beach, CA to Chicago, IL requires understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in your daily commute and navigate traffic more effectively.

ComparisonHuntington BeachChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3035
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

When considering the move from Huntington Beach to Chicago, it's clear that your approach to commuting will likely undergo a significant change. In Huntington Beach, the lower availability of public transit means a car is almost essential, reflecting the city's more sprawled and car-centric layout. Conversely, Chicago's robust public transit system, which scores much higher in terms of availability, provides a viable alternative to personal car usage. Consequently, you might find that leaving the car behind and jumping on the L train or a bus can be a more efficient and less stressful way to navigate the bustling cityscape of Chicago.

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