Best Santa Rosa to Chicago Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Santa Rosa to Chicago and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,181 mile move from California to Illinois go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 41 Santa Rosa 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Santa Rosa 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.
Best Santa Rosa to Chicago Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Celis Movers | 9.37 | 9.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Hansens Moving & Storage | 8.64 | 8.77 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Santa Rosa to Chicago
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,181 miles from Santa Rosa, CA to Chicago, IL will cost on average $3,636 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Santa Rosa to Chicago move is roughly $8,778. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,439 | 300 ft³ | 8.13 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,636 | 450 ft³ | 8.08 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,022 | 750 ft³ | 8.03 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,778 | 1100 ft³ | 7.98 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,688 | 1600 ft³ | 7.93 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,184 | 1800 ft³ | 7.88 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chicago to Santa Rosa guide.
Compare the 5 Best Santa Rosa to Chicago 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) |
Celis Movers
601 Petaluma Blvd N C
Petaluma, CA, 94952
About Celis Movers
Celis Movers is a family-owned Petaluma business committed to providing quality moves that don’t break the bank. For over 30 years,...
Services
- Local moving services
- Nationwide moving services
- Strategic warehousing locations
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2594954 / 921948 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 95,000 (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) |
Hansens Moving & Storage
7975 Cameron Dr STE 1100
Windsor, CA, 95492
About Hansens Moving & Storage
Hansen’s Moving & Storage has been serving Northern California for 35 years. It is a locally owned and operated moving company....
Services
- Clean, secure storage facility
- Local movers
- Long distance movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2728836 / 88698 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 12,000 (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.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Making the move from Santa Rosa, CA to Chicago, IL can feel daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To help ease this transition, we've created a comparison guide that highlights some of the top neighborhoods in Santa Rosa and their most similar counterparts in Chicago. By using this guide, you'll be able to find a new community in Chicago that feels like home. Let's dive into the comparison of the local neighborhoods between Santa Rosa, CA & Chicago, IL .
| Santa Rosa | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery Village | Lincoln Square | Vibrant, community-focused |
| Bennett Valley | Hyde Park | Historic, diverse community |
| Fountaingrove | Lincoln Park | Upscale, green spaces |
| Rincon Valley | Roscoe Village | Family-friendly, peaceful |
| Annadel Heights | Wicker Park | Artsy, vibrant nightlife |
| Skyhawk | Lakeview | Residential, close to water |
| Oakmont | Edgewater | Diverse, by the beach |
| Wikiup | Andersonville | Quaint, rich in culture |
| Coffey Park | Ravenswood | Quiet, community-oriented |
| St. Rose | Bridgeport | Historic, tight-knit community |
If you're drawn to the vibrant community and shopping district of Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa, you'll feel right at home in Chicago's Lincoln Square, where local boutiques and cozy cafes line the streets. Similarly, if the upscale and green-focused lifestyle of Fountaingrove appeals to you, Lincoln Park in Chicago offers a comparable experience with its abundant parks, such as the eponymous Lincoln Park, and high-end shopping options. For those who love the diverse and historic feel of Bennett Valley, Chicago's Hyde Park—with its rich cultural institutions like the Museum of Science and Industry and the historic Hyde Park neighborhood itself—will be a perfect match. Whether it's the artsy and vibrant nightlife of Annadel Heights that you're looking to replicate in Wicker Park's bustling streets or the peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere of Rincon Valley found in Roscoe Village's quiet enclaves, Chicago has a neighborhood that echoes the qualities of your current Santa Rosa home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Santa Rosa to Chicago
Moving from one city to another involves weighing the positives against the negatives to make an informed decision. This comparison between Santa Rosa, CA, and Chicago, IL, aims to provide an honest reflection of both the good and bad aspects of such a relocation. Through detailed charts, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to gauge what awaits in your new city.
Santa Rosa, CA- Higher cost of living
- Less urban vibe
- Smaller job market
- Less cultural diversity
- Limited public transit
Chicago, IL- More affordable housing
- Vibrant city life
- Larger job opportunities
- Rich cultural diversity
- Extensive public transit
Chicago, IL- Colder winters
- Busier streets
- Urban landscape
- Larger population
- Less local produce
Santa Rosa, CA- Warmer winters
- Quieter neighborhoods
- Natural landscapes
- Smaller community
- Local wineries
While considering this move, it's worth delving deeper into some specifics. For instance, Chicago's vibrant city life shines through its diversified neighborhoods, such as the bustling Wicker Park and Bucktown, known for their eclectic dining scenes and unique boutiques. Furthermore, the city's extensive public transit system, including buses and the "L" train, makes navigating this larger city much more manageable than in Santa Rosa. However, it's also essential to prepare for Chicago's colder winters, which are a stark contrast to Santa Rosa's milder climate. But with these winters come beautiful snowy landscapes and vibrant holiday markets like the Christkindlmarket, adding a unique charm to the Windy City that's hard to find elsewhere.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of any local culture and understanding what culinary delights await you is vital when relocating. In this comparison, we take a detailed look at the local cuisine between Santa Rosa & Chicago to help you get a taste of what life will be like in your new city.
| Santa Rosa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Wine Country Cuisine | Deep-Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Grilled Lamb | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Chicago-style Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Farm-to-Table Salads | Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Santa Rosa to Chicago, you'll transition from the farm-to-table meals championed in California's wine country to the heartier, iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches Chicago is renowned for. Santa Rosa's culinary scene deeply reflects its status as a wine country by offering a plethora of fresh, local ingredients and wine-pairing experiences, such as those found at Stark's Steak & Seafood or Willi's Wine Bar. Meanwhile, Chicago's bustling food scene provides a robust mix of traditional eats and innovative dining experiences. Neighborhoods like River North and the West Loop are teeming with food trucks and high-end restaurants like Alinea, showcasing the city's diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're hunting for street food or a 5-star dining experience, both cities offer distinct flavors and atmospheres that cater to food enthusiasts of all kinds.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite restaurant can make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Santa Rosa and Chicago is here to guide you. Whether you're looking for a cozy brunch spot or a fine dining experience, this list will help you find your new go-to places in the Windy City.
| Santa Rosa | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Stark's Steak & Seafood | Chicago Cut Steakhouse | Both offer premium cuts and a sophisticated dining experience. |
| Willi's Wine Bar | City Winery Chicago | A great spot for wine lovers seeking a blend of local and international wines, plus gourmet meals. |
| Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar | Spacca Napoli | Both known for their authentic, Neapolitan pizzas and a well-curated wine list. |
| Dierk's Parkside Cafe | Ann Sather | Both beloved for their hearty breakfasts and homey ambiance, ideal for lazy weekend brunches. |
| LoCoco's Cucina Rustica | Riccardo Trattoria | Genuine Italian cuisine that echoes LoCoco's emphasis on traditional recipes and a cozy atmosphere. |
| Sazon Peruvian Cuisine | Tanta Chicago | Both restaurants bring the vibrant flavors of Peru to life, offering a diverse and innovative menu. |
| La Gare French Restaurant | Chez Moi | For those who appreciate classic French cooking, both establishments provide a refined yet approachable dining experience. |
| Santa Rosa Seafood Raw Bar & Grill | GT Fish & Oyster | Both are destinations for seafood lovers, offering fresh, high-quality selections in a relaxed setting. |
| Monti's Rotisserie & Bar | The Purple Pig | While Monti's focuses on rotisserie, The Purple Pig offers a variety of charcuterie, cheeses, and small plates with Mediterranean influence. |
| Bird & The Bottle | Girl & The Goat | Both establishments are known for their inventive small plates and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends. |
Discovering a new city's culinary scene can be thrilling. Chicago's Chicago Cut Steakhouse pays homage to Santa Rosa's Stark's Steak & Seafood, offering prime steaks and a wine list that rivals any in Santa Rosa, evoking a similar vibe of elegance and quality. For a more casual and heartwarming meal, the comparison between Ann Sather in Chicago and Dierk's Parkside Cafe highlights the importance of a welcoming space and comforting breakfast food to start your day right. Meanwhile, the vibrant flavors of Peru are represented in both cities at Sazon Peruvian Cuisine and Tanta Chicago, where the South American cuisine's depth and variety are celebrated with every dish. Making these comparisons not only eases the transition to Chicago but also enriches your culinary experiences in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocation, determining much of the quality and comfort of your new life. Understanding how Santa Rosa and Chicago compare will help guide your housing decisions.
| Comparison | Santa Rosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Contemporary | Prairie, Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Wine Country, Open Spaces | Lake Views, Proximity to Transit |
In comparing Santa Rosa to Chicago, it's evident that while Santa Rosa boasts a quiet charm with its wine country allure and open spaces, Chicago offers a vibrant urban lifestyle enriched by its lake views and extensive transit options. The architectural styles reflect their environments - with Santa Rosa favoring Ranch and Contemporary designs that blend into its scenic landscapes, whereas Chicago’s rich history is captured in its Prairie and Victorian-era buildings. Walkability and bikeability scores suggest a slightly easier day-to-day navigation without a car in Chicago compared to Santa Rosa, emphasizing Chicago's denser, more urban nature.
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.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how different aspects of your life will change, including the weather . This comparison between Santa Rosa, CA and Chicago, IL aims to highlight the key differences in climate you can expect. Knowing these distinctions will help you prepare for your relocation effectively.
Santa Rosa, CA
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Santa Rosa, CA
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Santa Rosa, CA
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Santa Rosa, CA
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Santa Rosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Santa Rosa to Chicago will introduce you to a range of different weather conditions. In Santa Rosa, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and milder winters compared to Chicago's colder, snowier winters. This means you'll need a warmer wardrobe for the Windy City. The summer temperatures are similar, although Chicago nights are warmer. Another adjustment will be the different types of natural disasters to prepare for, with Santa Rosa facing threats from earthquakes and wildfires, while Chicago deals with snowstorms and potentially tornadoes. Assessing these differences allows you to better plan for your new life in Chicago.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Santa Rosa to Chicago
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the financial implications to understand how your cost of living and income will change, especially moving between Santa Rosa and Chicago. This comparison aims to highlight significant financial factors affecting your decision.
| Comparison | Santa Rosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $86,459 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.75 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Diverse, varying from affluent areas to less affluent neighborhoods |
| Poverty | Lower than national average | Higher than national average |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Significant |
The financial landscape varies significantly from Santa Rosa to Chicago, affecting overall living conditions. Santa Rosa boasts a higher average household income, yet faces a higher cost of living index and state income tax compared to Chicago. However, property taxes are considerably higher in Chicago, which could affect long-term homeownership affordability. The substantial difference in sales tax rates underlies the overall expenditure on goods and services in both cities. It's also important to note the difference in the economic foundation of each city, with Santa Rosa leaning more towards Healthcare and Retail, and Chicago being a robust center for Finance and IT. Understanding these dynamics can help you better prepare for financial changes post-move.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Santa Rosa, CA, to Chicago, IL, brings a significant change in scenery, climate, and lifestyle. To give you a quick glance at what to expect, this guide includes a comparison of the politics between Santa Rosa & Chicago and the religious landscape you'll be embracing. Understanding these differences will help ease your transition.
| Santa Rosa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Community-focused initiatives | City-wide policies with a focus on social justice |
| Religion | Varied, with a significant number of non-affiliated individuals | Diverse, with a strong presence of Catholic and Protestant communities |
Both Santa Rosa and Chicago lean liberal in their political makeup, which might make the transition smoother for you. However, the scale and scope of local politics differ considerably. In Santa Rosa, politics might feel more community-focused, with local businesses and initiatives often at the forefront. Meanwhile, Chicago's political landscape operates on a grander scale, dealing with city-wide policies that often gain national attention, especially around social justice issues. Religion in Chicago offers a vibrant tapestry, reflecting its diverse population. While you'll find a variety of religious beliefs in both cities, Chicago's larger population means you're likely to encounter a broader spectrum of religious communities, from historic Catholic cathedrals to bustling Protestant churches, enhancing the city's cultural richness.
Santa Rosa vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Chicago, IL? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Santa Rosa & Chicago will help you better understand what to expect in terms of daily commute and traffic in your new city.
| Comparison | Santa Rosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
In Santa Rosa, your average commute time might feel breezy at just around 26 minutes, but the city’s public transportation scores a middling 5 out of 10, making a car almost a necessity. Compared to Chicago, where the average commute is longer, around 34 minutes, the Windy City more than makes up for it with a robust public transit system rated 8 out of 10. This key difference highlights Chicago's convenience for those preferring or reliant on public transport, offering a viable lifestyle without the need for a car.
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