Best Chicago to Chula Vista Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Chula Vista and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,131 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 43 Chicago to Chula Vista 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 The Rock 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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
5A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Chula Vista

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,131 miles from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA will cost on average $3,593 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Chula Vista move is roughly $8,674. 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$2,411300 ft³8.04
1 Bedroom$3,593450 ft³7.99
2 Bedrooms$5,952750 ft³7.94
3 Bedrooms$8,6741100 ft³7.89
4 Bedrooms$12,5371600 ft³7.84
5+ Bedrooms$14,0141800 ft³7.79
*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 Chula Vista to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Chula Vista Movers

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

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

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

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
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
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. Chula Vista Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by comparing local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Chula Vista, CA . By pinpointing similarities in vibe, amenities, and community, we aim to make your move smoother and more enjoyable.

ChicagoChula VistaHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkEastlakeFamily-friendly, green spaces
Wicker ParkOtay RanchVibrant shopping and dining
Logan SquareRancho del ReyCultural hub, artsy vibe
Gold CoastRolling Hills RanchUpscale, peaceful environment
River NorthEastlake WoodsTrendy eateries, bustling nightlife
Hyde ParkTerra NovaRich in history, community-focused
AndersonvilleSunbowQuaint, with unique local businesses
Old TownMontecitoHistoric charm, with a lively atmosphere
LakeviewEastlake VistasScenic views, active community
BucktownChula Vista HillsCreative energy, modern living

Discovering the essence of Chula Vista through the lens of Chicago's beloved neighborhoods unveils a new layer of excitement. For instance, if Lincoln Park's abundant greenery and family activities captured your heart, you'll find Eastlake's sprawling parks and community events an immediate solace. Foodies moving from Wicker Park will savor the vibrant dining scene in Otay Ranch, where eclectic eateries mirror the culinary diversity back home. And for those charmed by the rich history and community spirit of Hyde Park, Terra Nova's historical sites and tight-knit feel promise a seamless transition. Beyond these comparisons, each Chula Vista neighborhood brings its unique flavor and character, from the trendy nightlife of Eastlake Woods reminiscent of River North, to the historic allure of Montecito echoing Old Town's vibrant streets.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Chula Vista

Moving from one city to another can evoke a wide array of emotions and considerations. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA . By examining the pros and cons in detail, this guide will aid in your decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed about your new environment.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Cold winters
  • Higher crime rates
  • Expensive housing
  • Heavy traffic
  • State income tax
Chula Vista, CA iconChula Vista, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Lower crime rates
  • More affordable living
  • Less congestion
  • No state income tax
Chula Vista, CA iconChula Vista, CA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer landmarks
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Rich culture
  • Robust public transit
  • Iconic architecture

Moving from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA, offers a significant change in lifestyle. Chicago's vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene with famous restaurants like Alinea are unparalleled, but Chula Vista promises a quieter, perhaps more relaxed pace of life. You'll swap the iconic skyline and architectural marvels for Chula Vista's scenic beauty, such as the views from Bayside Park. While Chula Vista may have fewer cultural venues compared to Chicago's rich art scene including the Art Institute of Chicago, it boasts beautiful outdoor spaces like Otay Valley Regional Park for nature enthusiasts. The transition from Chicago's robust public transit system to Chula Vista's more car-dependent lifestyle could be significant, but it also means less congestion and possibly a more personalized daily routine.

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago, IL & Chula Vista, CA, highlighting the importance of food in experiencing local culture. As you consider moving, understanding the food scene can provide valuable insight into the lifestyle and flavors awaiting you.

ChicagoChula Vista
Most iconic local food itemDeep-Dish PizzaCarne Asada Fries
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogTacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Tacos El Gordo
  • Italianissimo Trattoria
  • Zorbas Greek Buffet
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza reigns supreme, with places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria being a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic local flavors. On the other hand, moving to Chula Vista brings you closer to the heart of Mexican cuisine in the U.S., with Carne Asada fries and a wide variety of tacos being local favorites. Tacos El Gordo is a beloved spot for authentic Tijuana-style tacos, showcasing the rich culinary landscape of the region. Whether you're craving the hearty, layered depth of a Chicago deep-dish or the vibrant, fresh flavors of Mexican street food, your move opens up a delicious spectrum of dining experiences.

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city can often come from discovering your next favorite eating spot. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition from Chicago, IL, to Chula Vista, CA , by matching top Chicago eateries with their Chula Vista counterparts. Whether you’re craving high-end dining or a casual bite, this guide will help you navigate your new culinary landscape.

ChicagoChula VistaWhat You'll Love
AlineaItalianissimo TrattoriaOffers a high-end dining experience focusing on exquisite Italian cuisine, mirroring Alinea’s attention to culinary art.
Portillo's Hot DogsGalley at the MarinaA laid-back spot with iconic hot dogs and harbor views, reflecting Portillo's dedication to Chicago-style classics.
Girl & The GoatZorbas Greek BuffetKnown for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic menu, echoing the inventive and globally inspired dishes of Girl & The Goat.
Giordano'sProject PieCustomizable deep-dish pizzas offering a taste reminiscent of Giordano’s famous pies, in a casual and modern setting.
The Purple PigLa Bella Pizza GardenOffers a variety of Mediterranean dishes with a focus on shared plates, simulating the communal dining experience of The Purple Pig.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabBlack Angus SteakhouseDelivers a refined steak and seafood experience, catering to those who appreciate Joe’s quality and classic approach.
Frontera GrillEl ComalAuthentic Mexican eats that celebrate traditional flavors and techniques, paying homage to Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill.
Smoque BBQCoop's West Texas BBQTrue to the heart of Texas BBQ, Coop's offers a rustic and authentic barbecue experience akin to Smoque’s dedication to smoked meats.
YolkFamily House of PancakesA comforting, family-friendly spot for breakfast and brunch, reflecting Yolk’s commitment to morning classics.
Longman & EagleThird Avenue AlehouseA craft beer bar with a solid menu of gastropub fare, capturing the spirit of creative and quality dining found at Longman & Eagle.

When exploring Chula Vista's dining scene, places like Italianissimo Trattoria and Coop's West Texas BBQ stand out for their commitment to quality and authenticity, reminiscent of Chicago's own Alinea and Smoque BBQ, respectively. Italianissimo Trattoria's exquisite Italian dishes offer a refined culinary experience akin to what one might expect at Alinea, albeit with a focus on Italian rather than molecular gastronomy. Meanwhile, Coop's takes pride in its smoked meats and rustic ambiance, providing a familiar comfort to anyone missing the beloved BBQ flavors of Smoque. As you settle into your new home, these establishments in Chula Vista offer not just meals but an experience that can turn dining out into a discovery of local flavors and community.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect of any move. Knowing how Chicago, IL and Chula Vista, CA compare in terms of housing can significantly inform your decisions. From costs to lifestyle, this comparison aims to provide a broad overview of what to expect in each city.

ComparisonChicagoChula Vista
Typical Architecture StyleBrick bungalows, greystonesSpanish and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to transit, lake viewsOutdoor living spaces, coastal views

Moving from Chicago to Chula Vista presents a dramatic shift not just in geography, but in the housing landscape as well. Chicago's real estate market is notable for its historic brick bungalows and greystones, often praised for their proximity to transit systems and iconic lake views. On the other hand, Chula Vista boasts a warmer climate, which is reflected in its real estate listings emphasizing outdoor living spaces and coastal views. Costs tend to be higher in Chula Vista, both in terms of purchasing and renting properties. While Chicago offers a more urban lifestyle with higher walkability and access to public transit, Chula Vista provides a more suburban feel, which might necessitate owning a car for more convenient transportation.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chula Vista, CA

1. Eastlake: Known for its spacious parks and dog-friendly trails, Eastlake is the perfect neighborhood to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet.

2. Otay Ranch: This neighborhood boasts a dedicated Otay Ranch Town Center with an outdoor shopping experience that welcomes dogs, making it a great place for pet owners.

3. Rolling Hills Ranch: With its numerous walking paths and pet-friendly community spaces, Rolling Hills Ranch offers a serene environment for you and your pet to explore.

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Weather Considerations

When planning to relocate, comparing the climatic conditions between your current and future home is crucial. Understanding how the weather in Chicago, IL, and Chula Vista, CA will vary can significantly affect your adaptation and lifestyle changes. This guide aims to highlight the weather differences and similarities to aid in your transition.

Summer icon
85° / 65°

Chicago, IL

72° / 63°

Chula Vista, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32° / 18°

Chicago, IL

66° / 50°

Chula Vista, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

10

Chula Vista, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

0

Chula Vista, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoChula Vista
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Chicago's variable climate, with its cold winters and humid summers, to Chula Vista's consistently sunny and mild conditions represents a significant change. Notably, Chula Vista boasts a more comfortable year-round climate, with less humidity and dramatically less rainfall and snowfall, allowing for more outdoor activities throughout the year. Also, the air quality in Chula Vista tends to be better, potentially benefiting those with respiratory issues or sensitivities to pollution. The increase in sunny days could mean more time spent applying sunscreen due to the higher average UV index. Each city's unique natural disaster risks — from Chicago's blizzards and tornadoes to Chula Vista's earthquakes and wildfires — necessitate different preparedness plans. Understanding these differences can help you adapt more quickly and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

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

When contemplating a move from one city to another, a key aspect to consider is how your financial situation will be affected. Understanding the cost of living, average income, and tax differences between your current home in Chicago, IL and your potential new home in Chula Vista, CA is essential to a smooth transition.

ComparisonChicagoChula Vista
Avg. Household Income$66,576$91,949
Cost of Living Index116.9136.4
State Income Tax4.95 (flat rate)1-13.3
(progressive)
Avg. Property Tax2.100.76
Avg. Sales Tax10.258.75
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, Information TechnologyManufacturing, Defense, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessSignificantLesser

When comparing the financial landscapes of Chicago and Chula Vista, it's clear that Chula Vista has a higher average household income and is considered more affluent. However, this comes with a higher cost of living index. Interestingly, despite California's reputation for high taxes, Chula Vista residents benefit from a significantly lower property tax rate than those in Chicago. The state income tax in California is progressive, so your rate may vary considerably based on your income, but it's essential to factor in the potentially lower sales tax as well. This comparison underscores the importance of looking beyond surface-level economic indicators when planning your relocation.

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA, understanding the community you're joining is critical. This comparison aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Chicago & Chula Vista, offering insight into the local culture and societal norms you can expect to encounter.

ChicagoChula Vista
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse with strong union influenceProgressive with growing advocacy for environmental and border policies
ReligionMulticultural with Christianity being predominantMulticultural with a significant Catholic influence

Chicago and Chula Vista share a liberal/democratic leaning, reflecting the broader political alignment in urban areas. However, the nuances in local politics might interest you. For example, Chicago’s political scene is historically shaped by its strong union presence and multicultural dynamics, affecting everything from education to healthcare. Chula Vista, while also progressive, focuses heavily on environmental sustainability and border-related policies due to its geographical location. Religiously, both cities embrace diversity, with Christianity being predominant. In Chula Vista, you might notice a particular emphasis on Catholic traditions, reflective of its significant Hispanic community. This insight should help set your expectations as you transition from the Windy City to this vibrant part of Southern California.

Chicago vs. Chula Vista Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can significantly change your daily commute and understanding of local traffic. This guide offers a comparison between Chicago, IL & Chula Vista, CA, focusing on what the daily commute and traffic is like. This will help you better navigate your new city, whether you’re driving or relying on public transit.

ComparisonChicagoChula Vista
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3424
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesYes, but harder

In Chicago, the average commute time is significantly longer, and the city experiences higher levels of traffic congestion compared to Chula Vista. However, Chicago boasts an extensive and efficient public transit system, ranked highly at a 9 out of 10, making it possible to live comfortably without a car. Conversely, Chula Vista offers a shorter average commute time and less traffic congestion, but its public transit options are less available, making car dependency more common. Understanding these differences is crucial for adjusting your daily routine and expectations when moving from Chicago to Chula Vista.

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