Best Chicago to Anaheim Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Anaheim and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,072 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 46 Chicago to Anaheim 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 Best California Movers), 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 Chicago compared to Anaheim. 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 Chicago to Anaheim Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
2606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
4A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
5Trek Movers9.209.02Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Anaheim

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,072 miles from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA will cost on average $3,543 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Anaheim move is roughly $8,551. 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$2,377300 ft³7.92
1 Bedroom$3,543450 ft³7.87
2 Bedrooms$5,868750 ft³7.82
3 Bedrooms$8,5511100 ft³7.77
4 Bedrooms$12,3581600 ft³7.72
5+ Bedrooms$13,8131800 ft³7.67
*Please note: These Illinois to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & California. 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 IL to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Anaheim to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Anaheim Movers

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

Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
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
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.20/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (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.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. This guide is designed to ease that transition by comparing neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Anaheim, CA. We've matched top neighborhoods from Chicago with their Anaheim counterparts based on vibe, community, and amenities to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

ChicagoAnaheimHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkAnaheim HillsAffluent, family-friendly
Wicker ParkPlatinum TriangleTrendy, urban living
Hyde ParkWest AnaheimDiverse, cultural mix
Gold CoastYorba LindaUpscale, exclusive feel
Logan SquareEast AnaheimHip, evolving community
The LoopDowntown AnaheimHistoric, central location
River NorthPacking DistrictCreative, food-centric area
Old TownOld Towne OrangeCharming, antique shopping
South LoopFullertonDiverse, vibrant nightlife
AndersonvilleStantonCommunity-oriented, eclectic

In trying to match the vibe of Chicago neighborhoods with those in Anaheim, consider the Lincoln Park and Anaheim Hills pairing. Both areas are perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring sprawling parks and community events that foster a strong sense of belonging. Wicker Park and Platinum Triangle both cater to the urbanite who loves trendy eateries and modern apartments amidst bustling streets. For a dose of culture and diversity, Hyde Park's comparison with West Anaheim stands out; both neighborhoods boast an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and community spaces that reflect their rich cultural tapestry. These comparisons not only highlight the unique qualities of each neighborhood but also underscore the vibrant, community-focused lifestyle that awaits you in Anaheim.

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Things to Do in Anaheim

  • Explore Disneyland Resort magic.
  • Attend a game at Angel Stadium.
  • Walk through Anaheim GardenWalk.
  • Enjoy live music at City National Grove.
  • Visit the MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center.
  • Kayak at Newport Aquatic Center.
  • Shop at The Outlets at Orange.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Anaheim

Moving can be a significant life decision, filled with both excitement and apprehension. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA , highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of such a move. Understanding the pros and cons ensures you can make an informed decision about your transition.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher crime rate
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher living costs
Anaheim, CA iconAnaheim, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Lower crime rate
  • Less traffic
  • More affordable living
Anaheim, CA iconAnaheim, CA
  • Quieter city life
  • Less diversity in food
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Car-dependent culture
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse food scene
  • Rich cultural history
  • Extensive public transit

Moving from Chicago to Anaheim brings with it a change in lifestyle that can be both refreshing and challenging. Chicago, known for its vibrant city life and rich cultural history, boasts iconic locations like Millennium Park and a diverse food scene highlighted by establishments like Au Cheval. On the other hand, Anaheim, while offering a milder climate and being home to Disneyland Park, has a more laid-back atmosphere. The change in pace might take some getting used to, but places like Anaheim GardenWalk offer a unique blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that cater to all ages. Both cities provide unique experiences, but understanding these differences can help ease the transition and enrich your new life in Anaheim.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Anaheim is crucial for understanding the unique food scenes in both areas. Food significantly impacts local culture and living experiences, thus this comparison aims to enlighten you about what culinary delights await in your new home.

ChicagoAnaheim
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodChicago Vegan Deep-DishAçaí Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Al's Beef
  • Au Cheval
  • Blue Bayou Restaurant inside Disneyland
  • Anaheim White House
  • Ballast Point Brewery Anaheim
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In moving from Chicago to Anaheim, you're transitioning from a city known for its hearty, iconic dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef to a vibrant, health-conscious food scene highlighted by fresh, flavorful items like fish tacos and açaí bowls. Anaheim's proximity to fresh produce and the Pacific Ocean heavily influences its cuisine, offering an abundance of seafood and plant-based options. You will find top-notch dining experiences in Anaheim within the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Packing District. Notably, restaurants such as the Blue Bayou provide a unique dining experience, while the Anaheim White House offers a historic setting. Street food culture thrives in both cities, but Anaheim's climate and lifestyle lean towards an outdoor, active life, hence the higher fitness, health conscientiousness, and abundance of food trucks compared to Chicago.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a fundamental role in making a place feel like home. With this in mind, we’ve created a restaurant comparison guide to help those moving from Chicago, IL, to Anaheim, CA, find new favorite eateries that remind them of their former haunts. From haute cuisine to casual bites, this curated list aims to smooth your culinary transition.

ChicagoAnaheimWhat You'll Love
AlineaNapa RoseFine dining with inventive courses
Girl & The GoatThe Ranch RestaurantFarm-to-table dining with a rustic vibe
Portillo's Hot DogsPortillo's Hot DogsIconic Chicago-style hot dogs and more
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaBlaze PizzaPersonalized artisanal pizzas with a modern twist
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabRoy's RestaurantUpscale dining with seafood and steak selections
Smoque BBQLucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-QueSouthern-style BBQ with a cozy atmosphere
Pequod's PizzaPizza PressCraft your own pizza with a variety of toppings and sauces
The Purple PigReunion Kitchen + DrinkInventive American cuisine and tapas-style plates
Rick Bayless' Frontera GrillTaqueria De Anda GrillAuthentic Mexican food with a focus on fresh ingredients
PublicanBrookhurst Seafood BarGourmet seafood with a casual, inviting ambiance

Exploring the heart and soul of Anaheim's culinary scene, you'll discover establishments that echo the diverse and vibrant flavors of Chicago. Napa Rose, for instance, delivers an unparalleled fine dining experience reminiscent of Alinea, with each course telling a unique story through Californian ingredients. Meanwhile, the transition from Portillo's Hot Dogs in Chicago to its same-name counterpart in Anaheim is seamless, promising the same iconic Chicago-style hot dogs that you love. For barbecue enthusiasts, Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que parallels the deeply flavored, smoke-infused offerings of Smoque BBQ in Chicago, making it a must-visit for those craving authentic barbeque. These comparisons not only ease the transition but also celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that define both cities.

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Chicago vs. Anaheim Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to understand the differences in real estate between Chicago, IL, and Anaheim, CA. This comparison will delve into various aspects of housing to make your transition as smooth as possible.

ComparisonChicagoAnaheim
Typical Architecture StyleModern & HistoricSpanish & Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Rooftop decksPrivate pools, Outdoor living space

Upon comparing Chicago and Anaheim, it's apparent that the cost and lifestyle offered by these cities are notably different. Chicago, with its mix of modern and historic architecture, offers more in terms of urban lifestyle and walkability, due in part to its dense city planning and public transportation options. In contrast, Anaheim, while slightly less urban in feel, tends to have a higher emphasis on outdoor living spaces, likely influenced by its sunnier climate and the prevalent Spanish-inspired architecture. The contrast in median home prices and monthly rent reflects the different markets, catering to varied preferences and budgets.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Anaheim, CA

1. Platinum Triangle: This neighborhood prides itself on its upscale pet-friendly apartment complexes with dog parks and grooming stations on site.

2. Anaheim Hills: Known for its spacious parks such as Oak Canyon Nature Center, Anaheim Hills is perfect for outdoor activities with your furry friends.

3. The Colony: Boasting a welcoming community and several pet-friendly cafes, The Colony makes sure your pets are as much a part of the neighborhood as you are.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Weather Considerations

Moving to a new city means adjusting to a new climate. This comparison highlights the weather differences between Chicago, IL, and Anaheim, CA , offering insights into what you can expect. Familiarizing yourself with these changes is crucial for a smooth transition.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

Chicago, IL

85°F / 64°F

Anaheim, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

70°F / 48°F

Anaheim, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

14"

Anaheim, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

0"

Anaheim, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoAnaheim
Air QualityVariable, City-Specific IssuesGenerally Good, Smog Concerns
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Chicago to Anaheim means experiencing more sunny days and a milder winter climate. While both cities enjoy warm summers, Anaheim's winters are remarkably warmer and drier, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. The significant drop in annual snowfall from Chicago to Anaheim emphasizes the contrast in winter experiences. Furthermore, preparing for different types of natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Anaheim compared to snowstorms in Chicago, will be an essential part of adapting to your new home.

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

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is essential. This comparison will highlight the money and finance differences between Chicago, IL and Anaheim, CA , allowing you to gauge the economic climate of your potential new home.

ComparisonChicagoAnaheim
Avg. Household Income$66,576$81,747
Cost of Living Index116.9136.4
State Income Tax4.959.3
Avg. Property Tax2.100.72
Avg. Sales Tax10.257.75
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyEntertainment, Manufacturing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

When moving from Chicago to Anaheim, consider the higher cost of living in Anaheim, primarily driven by housing and utility costs. However, higher average household incomes in Anaheim can mitigate these costs. The significantly lower property taxes in California compared to Illinois are a relief, but the higher state income tax rate in California necessitates a budget adjustment. Your lifestyle in Anaheim may change with its vibrant entertainment and tourism sectors shaping the local economy, potentially offering new career opportunities not as prevalent in Chicago's finance and tech-focused job market.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Political & Religious Comparison

Making the move from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA offers not just a change in scenery but also a unique shift in the community you'll be part of. This quick overview will provide insights into the political and religious makeup comparison between Chicago & Anaheim, helping you understand the local community better at a glance.

ChicagoAnaheim
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticMore politically diverse
Local PoliticsStrong Democratic leanBlend of Democratic and Republican influence
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Catholic presenceDiverse, notable Evangelical and Catholic communities

When you move from Chicago to Anaheim, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape from a city known for its Democratic leaning to a more politically diverse environment. In Anaheim, both Democratic and Republican voices contribute significantly to local politics, reflecting a community with a broader range of political ideologies. This diversity extends to religious practices as well, with both cities boasting a rich tapestry of faiths. Chicago's significant Catholic community is met with Anaheim's blend of Evangelical and Catholic presences, offering diverse religious landscapes in both cities.

Chicago vs. Anaheim Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Anaheim, CA? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between the two cities will help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic is likely to look like.

ComparisonChicagoAnaheim
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some effortDoubtful

In Chicago, your commute might be slightly longer on average, but the city's extensive transit system—including the CTA trains and buses—means you could manage without a personal vehicle if you live and work in areas well-serviced by public transit. On the other hand, Anaheim, while having a somewhat shorter average commute time, relies more heavily on personal vehicles due to less comprehensive public transit options. The significant difference in public transit availability between the two cities implies a notable change in daily commuting habits, potentially requiring you to own a car in Anaheim for convenience and accessibility.

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