Best San Bernardino to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Bernardino to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,982 mile move from California to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 San Bernardino 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 606 Movers, Inc.), 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino to Chicago Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3Antonio’s Moving Services LLC9.039.2Authorized For HHGContact
4Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc8.458.58Authorized For HHGContact
5Most Valuable Moving Co7.818.41Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Bernardino to Chicago

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,982 miles from San Bernardino, CA to Chicago, IL will cost on average $3,467 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Bernardino to Chicago move is roughly $8,364. 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$2,326300 ft³7.75
1 Bedroom$3,467450 ft³7.70
2 Bedrooms$5,740750 ft³7.65
3 Bedrooms$8,3641100 ft³7.60
4 Bedrooms$12,0861600 ft³7.55
5+ Bedrooms$13,5071800 ft³7.50
*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 San Bernardino guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Bernardino to Chicago Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Antonio’s Moving Services LLC Logo

Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 489+ data points

Norco, CA, 92860

About Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Established in 2014, Antonio's Moving Services LLC is a professional moving company that offers customizable residential and commercial moving services. Based...

Services

  • Unloading & Loading
  • Packing & Unpacking
  • On-site Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3853814 / 1542735

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc Logo

Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc

Fabulous8.45/10
based on 713+ data points

5114 Westerfield St

Riverside, CA, 92509

About Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc

With over 30 years' experience in the industry, Beltran Moving never wavered in its commitment to provide high-quality local, intrastate, and...

Services

  • Complete Moving Services
  • Local or long-distance moving
  • Next-day service available

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2097345 / 731581

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved400 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Most Valuable Moving Co Logo

Most Valuable Moving Co

Good7.81/10
based on 80+ data points

Riverside, CA, 92506

About Most Valuable Moving Co

Most Valuable Moving Co, based in Moreno Valley, California, has been providing professional moving services to residents since 2016. The company...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Full Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3591420 / 1216620

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved250 (2023)
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.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting prospect, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Bernardino, CA & Chicago, IL , aiming to help you find a part of Chicago that feels like home based on what you love about San Bernardino.

San BernardinoChicagoHow They're Similar
VerdemontRogers ParkDiverse community, beach access
North ParkHyde ParkRich history, eclectic dining
University HeightsLincoln ParkCollege vibe, cultural attractions
ArrowheadLakeviewLakeside living, bustling nightlife
AlessandroLogan SquareArtistic community, historic boulevards
Del RosaAvondaleFamily-friendly, up-and-coming dining scene
Lytle CreekGarfield ParkGreen spaces, conservatory access
South PointeBridgeportDiverse population, working-class roots
MuscoyPilsenRich cultural heritage, vibrant murals
Shandin HillsEdgewaterHistoric district, community-focused

For those moving from San Bernardino's University Heights, known for its proximity to educational institutions and a lively student population, will find Lincoln Park in Chicago a welcoming environment with its college vibe, cultural attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Meanwhile, if you loved the outdoor activities and the natural beauty of Lytle Creek, you’ll enjoy the green spaces and the Garfield Park Conservatory in Garfield Park, Chicago. It's a place where the community comes together to enjoy nature and cultural programs. And for those from Arrowhead, who are used to lakeside living with a side of nightlife, Lakeview in Chicago offers a similar experience with access to Lake Michigan and a bustling nightlife, including venues like the iconic Metro for live music. These comparisons highlight just how you can find a slice of San Bernardino in the heart of Chicago, making the transition to your new city a little easier.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Bernardino to Chicago

Moving cities can be a life-changing experience, full of complex decisions. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from San Bernardino, CA to Chicago, IL , highlighting both the good and the bad. Understanding the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about this significant change.

CONs
PROs
San Bernardino, CA iconSan Bernardino, CA
  • Higher crime rate
  • Less public transport
  • Hot summers
  • Lower job variety
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Richer cultural scene
  • Extensive public transit
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Diverse job market
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher living costs
  • Less green space
  • Harsh winters
  • Urban congestion
San Bernardino, CA iconSan Bernardino, CA
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Outdoor activities
  • Mild winters
  • Smaller community feel

Moving to Chicago brings access to a vibrant cultural scene with landmarks like The Art Institute of Chicago and music venues like The Metro which showcase the city's rich arts and entertainment landscape. Chicago's extensive public transit system, including the 'L' train, makes commuting easier than in San Bernardino. However, it's important to be prepared for the harsh winters, which are a stark contrast to the mild winters back in California. Green spaces like Millennium Park and the Lakefront Trail offer beautiful settings for outdoor activities, although you might find these less abundant than the wide-open spaces you're used to. By considering these points, you'll better understand what awaits in Chicago and whether the city's offerings align with your lifestyle preferences.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between San Bernardino & Chicago reveals the flavor of life in these cities. Understanding the food scene is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of local culture and adapting to your new home.

San BernardinoChicago
Most iconic local food itemMexican cuisineDeep-dish pizza
Most popular meat dishCarne asadaItalian beef
Most popular street food itemTacosChicago-style hot dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan tacosVegan deep-dish pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Albert's Mexican Food
  • Rosa's Cafe & Tortilla Factory
  • MVP's Grill & Patio
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In moving from San Bernardino to Chicago, you'll transition from the vibrant, spicy flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to the hearty, comforting taste of Chicago's deep-dish pizza and Italian beef. While San Bernardino boasts an array of tacos and vegan options that reflect its sunny climate and Latin influences, Chicago's food scene is dense with iconic eateries such as Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, known for its legendary deep-dish pizza, and Portillo's for a taste of the classic Chicago-style hot dog. The increased focus on health and the abundance of food trucks in both cities cater to a wide range of tastes, but Chicago's foodie scene brings a slightly more diverse and internationally recognized dining experience that is both vegan-friendly and expansive.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison

Whether you're moving for work, family, or adventure, finding comfort in the culinary delights of your new city is key to feeling at home. This comparison of restaurants from San Bernardino to Chicago aims to help you discover your next favorite dining spots, using familiar tastes as your guide.

San BernardinoChicagoWhat You'll Love
Alfredo's Italian KitchenOsteria Via StatoAuthentic Italian dining experience similar to Alfredo's
BJ's Restaurant & BrewhouseRevolution BrewingBrewpub with a wide selection of beers and hearty American cuisine
Miyagi SushiSushi-SanOffers fresh, high-quality sushi that rivals Miyagi's offerings
George's BurgerAu ChevalKnown for its high-quality, gourmet burgers, akin to George's
Pho HaPho 777A Vietnamese restaurant that captures the essence and flavors of Pho Ha's dishes
Las ConchitasCarnitas UruapanOffers authentic Mexican cuisine that mirrors the flavors found at Las Conchitas
Rosa Maria'sXocoRick Bayless's eatery that brings a gourmet twist to traditional Mexican fare, similar to Rosa Maria's
In-N-Out BurgerSmall ChevalOffers a compact menu focused on burgers and fries, reminiscent of In-N-Out's simplicity and quality
Delhi PalaceVermilionIndian cuisine with a fusion twist that maintains the authenticity and flavors of Delhi Palace's dishes
Carolyn's CafeWildberry Pancakes and CafeBreakfast and brunch spot known for its hearty portions and homestyle cooking, similar to Carolyn's Cafe

Exploring cities through their culinary offerings allows you to dive into the local culture and vibe. For instance, if you cherished the authentic Italian dishes at Alfredo's Italian Kitchen in San Bernardino, you'll find a slice of Italy at Osteria Via Stato in Chicago, which prides itself on delivering a similar traditional Italian dining experience. Likewise, sushi connoisseurs who frequent Miyagi Sushi will be pleased to discover Sushi-San in Chicago, where the dedication to freshness and quality echoes Miyagi's sushi creations. Lastly, for those who appreciate the casual yet iconic burger experience at In-N-Out Burger, Small Cheval in Chicago provides a minimalist yet quality-focused burger menu that tantalizes the tastebuds just as well.

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San Bernardino vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison of San Bernardino and Chicago covers key aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, offering a comprehensive view to help you make informed decisions.

ComparisonSan BernardinoChicago
Typical Architecture StyleRanchChicago School & Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, spacious yardsLakefront, public transit access

In comparing San Bernardino and Chicago, striking differences emerge, especially in walkability and urban lifestyle where Chicago leads significantly. This is reflected in the city's embracing of public areas and transit systems, highly accented in real estate listings with mentions of public transit access and lakefront properties. Conversely, San Bernardino, with its spacious yards and mountain views, offers a different kind of appeal. The architectural styles further illustrate this contrast: Chicago's rich history is echoed in its diverse building designs, including the iconic Chicago School, while San Bernardino mostly features Ranch-style homes, signaling a more suburban character.

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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.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the variations in weather conditions is essential. It prepares you for what to expect and allows for necessary preparations. In this comparison, we will delve into the key weather differences between San Bernardino and Chicago to help you adjust seamlessly to your new home.

Summer icon
94°F / 64°F

San Bernardino, CA

84°F / 65°F

Chicago, IL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 43°F

San Bernardino, CA

35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
16

San Bernardino, CA

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Bernardino, CA

36

Chicago, IL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan BernardinoChicago
Air QualityModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersWildfires, EarthquakesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from San Bernardino to Chicago, you'll experience a significant weather shift, especially during winter. Chicago's winters are harsh, with average highs of 35°F and snowfall reaching up to 36 inches. This is a stark contrast to San Bernardino's mild winters. Additionally, while San Bernardino boasts a high number of sunny days and lower humidity, Chicago offers more variability with higher humidity levels and fewer sunny days. Another point to consider is the difference in natural disaster threats, with San Bernardino facing wildfires and earthquakes, whereas Chicago encounters snowstorms and occasionally tornadoes. Adjusting to these changes will require preparation, including a suitable wardrobe and possibly even adjustments to your home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Bernardino to Chicago

When planning a move, it’s crucial to grasp the financial landscape of your new city compared to what you’re accustomed to. This guide presents a comparative overview highlighting the costs of living and financial considerations between San Bernardino and Chicago, making your transition as smooth as possible.

ComparisonSan BernardinoChicago
Avg. Household Income$65,311$66,576
Cost of Living Index136.4116.9
State Income Tax13.34.95
Avg. Property Tax1.152.16
Avg. Sales Tax8.010.25
Top 3 IndustriesLogistics, Health Services, ManufacturingFinance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableNoticeable

When comparing San Bernardino to Chicago, it's evident that both cities have their unique financial landscapes. For instance, while the average household income is relatively similar, the cost of living and taxes vary considerably. Chicago's slightly lower cost of living index, coupled with its higher average household income, might offer a somewhat more manageable daily living cost compared to San Bernardino. However, Illinois' flat state income tax rate is less burdensome than California's progressive tax system, especially for higher earners. Conversely, Chicago's higher average property and sales tax could offset some of these advantages. These factors, alongside the varying industry strengths in each city, can significantly influence your financial well-being post-move.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison

This quick overview aims to provide a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents as you transition from San Bernardino to Chicago . Understanding the community you're moving into can help ease the adjustment period, giving you a sense of the local ethos.

San BernardinoChicago
Political Make-upLean DemocratStrongly Democrat
Local PoliticsMixed urban & suburban concernsUrban, with focused issues on housing and public transport
ReligionChristianity predominant, Diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, with significant Muslim and Jewish communities

When moving from San Bernardino to Chicago, you'll find that while both cities have a Democratic tilt, Chicago's political leanings are more pronounced. Local politics in Chicago are heavily focused on urban issues such as affordable housing and public transportation improvements. This is slightly different from San Bernardino, where there's a mix of urban and suburban concerns. Religion plays a vital role in both communities, with Christianity being predominant. However, Chicago boasts a more significant presence of Muslim and Jewish communities, reflecting its diverse cultural landscape. This diversity enriches the city's fabric, potentially offering you a broader community experience.

San Bernardino vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Bernardino & Chicago is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you plan your move.

ComparisonSan BernardinoChicago
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2535
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoYes

While the average commute time in San Bernardino is notably shorter than in Chicago, the latter city more than makes up for it with its superior public transit system. In San Bernardino, owning a car is almost a necessity due to the city's sprawling layout and less comprehensive public transit options. Conversely, Chicago's well-developed public transportation network, including trains and buses, allows residents to comfortably navigate the city without a personal vehicle. Additionally, Chicago's higher score in traffic congestion could be mitigated by these efficient transit options, making it a more accessible city for those relying on public transportation.

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