Best Chicago to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,079 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 63 Chicago to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 20,000 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 Los Angeles. 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 Chicago to Los Angeles Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Moving Pro, Inc. | 9.45 | 9.01 | Authorized For Property, 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 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.32 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to Los Angeles
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,079 miles from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $3,549 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Los Angeles move is roughly $8,566. 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 | $2,381 | 300 ft³ | 7.94 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,549 | 450 ft³ | 7.89 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,878 | 750 ft³ | 7.84 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,566 | 1100 ft³ | 7.79 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,379 | 1600 ft³ | 7.74 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,837 | 1800 ft³ | 7.69 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Los Angeles Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Best California Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Moving Pro, Inc.
557 Vernon Ave
Venice, CA, 90291
About Moving Pro, Inc.
Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Car Transportation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1864442 / 675888 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 26,800 (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) |
A1 Movers, Inc
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
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.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA can be overwhelming. This comparison of local neighborhoods will help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline.
| Chicago | Los Angeles | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Silver Lake | Trendy, vibrant with parks |
| Wicker Park | Echo Park | Hip, eclectic with nightlife |
| Gold Coast | Beverly Hills | Upscale, luxury shopping |
| River North | Hollywood | Entertainment-focused, vibrant |
| Old Town | Santa Monica | Coastal, historic vibes |
| South Loop | Downtown LA | Urban, cultural hotspots |
| Hyde Park | Pasadena | Academic, historic landmarks |
| Lakeview | Westwood | University area, diverse dining |
| Uptown | Koreatown | Diverse, vibrant with nightlife |
| Logan Square | Los Feliz | Bohemian, green spaces |
If you enjoy the trendy and vibrant atmosphere of Lincoln Park, you'll find Silver Lake appealing with its eclectic mix of restaurants like Three Lockharts and parks such as Echo Park Lake. River North's entertainment scene can be mirrored in Hollywood, where you can experience live music at the Troubadour or catch a film at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre. Those drawn to Gold Coast's luxury shopping will feel at home in Beverly Hills with high-end stores on Rodeo Drive. Lastly, if you love Hyde Park's academic vibe, Pasadena offers a similar atmosphere with institutions like Caltech and the historic Huntington Library.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
Moving from one city to another is always a big decision, and this comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA . By examining the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice about your next big adventure.
Chicago, IL- Harsh winters
- Higher crime rates
- Less sunshine
- Lower public transit usage
Los Angeles, CA- Milder winters
- Lower crime rates
- More sunshine
- Better public transit options
Los Angeles, CA- Expensive living costs
- Higher housing costs
- Traffic congestion
- Less seasonal variation
Chicago, IL- Rich cultural scene
- Affordable housing
- Great sports culture
- Distinct seasons
Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Chicago, known for its vibrant cultural scene, boasts iconic institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and a rich sports culture with teams like the Cubs and the Bears. Meanwhile, Los Angeles offers an incomparable lifestyle upgrade for those seeking more sunshine and outdoor activities year-round, thanks to beautiful beaches like Santa Monica and hiking spots such as Runyon Canyon. However, this comes at the cost of higher living and housing expenses, with neighborhoods like Beverly Hills reflecting the city's luxurious lifestyle. Despite the cons of each city, such as Chicago's harsh winters and Los Angeles' notorious traffic, both cities offer unique attractions, from Grant Park in Chicago to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, that make them beloved homes to their residents.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Los Angeles, emphasizing how the food scene reflects each city's culture and lifestyle. Understanding the differences can help you adjust and find your new favorite spots after moving.
| Chicago | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Fish tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan-based dishes | Avocado toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza, particularly from Lou Malnati's, is an essential try for anyone moving to the city. On the other hand, Los Angeles is famous for its vibrant street food scene, with tacos ruling supreme in several neighborhoods, including the eclectic Venice Beach and the historic Echo Park. Both cities showcase a rich diversity in their culinary offerings, with Chicago embracing hearty, comforting meals, and Los Angeles focusing on health-conscious and international cuisine. The abundance of food trucks in Los Angeles offers a unique dining experience, allowing for the exploration of a wide range of dishes from different cultures, directly reflective of the city's diverse population.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and Los Angeles aims to guide you to your next favorite dining spots, using familiarity from your existing culinary haunts. Let's bridge the gap between the Windy City and the City of Angels, one dish at a time.
| Chicago | Los Angeles | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Providence | Both offer an exquisite fine dining experience with an emphasis on molecular gastronomy. |
| Portillo's | Pink's Hot Dogs | Iconic spots for their respective city’s favorite hot dogs. |
| Gino's East | Jon & Vinny's | Both chefs bring their unique spins to classic American-Italian dishes, especially pizza. |
| Giordano’s | Lucifer's Pizza | Known for a variety of deep-dish options reminiscent of Chicago's famous pies. |
| The Purple Pig | Animal | Both restaurants focus on meat-centric dishes with innovative twists. |
| Girl & The Goat | Bestia | Alike in providing a rustic, yet refined, approach to new American cuisine with bold flavors. |
| Smoque BBQ | Bludso’s Bar & Que | Both pride themselves on their authentic, smoked barbecue dishes. |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | Broken Spanish | Similar in their approach to elevating traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. |
| Pequod's Pizza | Prime Pizza | Prime Pizza offers a deep-dish style that can tide over any Chicago pizza aficionado. |
| Au Cheval | The Apple Pan | Both are celebrated for their exceptional, classic American burgers. |
Whether it's the intricate flavors of molecular gastronomy that you crave with places like Alinea in Chicago and Providence in Los Angeles, or perhaps the soul-satisfying bite of a perfectly grilled burger from Au Cheval and The Apple Pan, this guide connects you with the establishments that echo your Chicago favorites in your new Los Angeles locale. Missing Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza? Lucifer's Pizza in Los Angeles offers a comforting substitute with their variety of deep-dish options. Meanwhile, the transformation of traditional Mexican dishes into modern culinary masterpieces can still be enjoyed through Los Angeles' Broken Spanish, reminiscent of the experience at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill in Chicago. Whatever your preference, these parallels provide a culinary bridge from the familiar to the new.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a crucial role in deciding where to live, especially when considering a move. Understanding how the housing landscape compares between Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA is vital for making an informed decision. This comparison covers cost, architecture, and lifestyle features to aid in your journey.
| Comparison | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie School, Chicago Bungalow | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, in-unit laundry | Outdoor space, ocean view |
When breaking down the differences in real estate, the contrast in the median home price and rent between Chicago and Los Angeles stands out, reflecting the more expensive cost of living in LA. However, Los Angeles compensates with its slightly higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicative of its commitment to creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces. The prominent architecture styles also depict the unique characters of each city, from the historic Chicago bungalows to the breezy Spanish Colonials in Los Angeles. These elements not only impact the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also hint at the lifestyle you can expect—whether it's the urban charm of Chicago or the outdoor-centric vibe of LA, with its listings often boasting features like outdoor spaces and ocean views.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.
2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another often means adapting to a new climate. Understanding how the weather in Chicago, IL compares to Los Angeles, CA is crucial for preparing for your relocation. This comparison will illuminate the differences in weather patterns and what you should expect in your new home.
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Varies (Poor to Moderate) |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing the climates of Chicago and Los Angeles, you'll find substantial differences beyond just the temperature. Los Angeles enjoys more sunshine days per year and milder winters compared to Chicago's cold and snowy winters. However, LA faces its own challenges with a higher average UV index, indicating a greater need for sun protection, and potential air quality issues. Additionally, while weather-related natural disasters in Chicago typically revolve around snowstorms, Los Angeles is more prone to earthquakes and wildfires. Each city presents unique considerations for residents, particularly in terms of preparedness for natural disasters and managing allergies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
When relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is key to a smooth transition. This guide compares key financial aspects of living in Chicago, IL versus Los Angeles, CA , offering insights into income, taxes, and living costs to best prepare you for your move.
| Comparison | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $70,372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 9.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Entertainment, Manufacturing, Technology |
| Affluence | Variable | Highly Variable |
| Poverty | Significant | Substantial |
| Homelessness | High | Severe |
While both Chicago and Los Angeles offer vibrant economic opportunities, they present unique financial landscapes. Los Angeles holds a significantly higher cost of living index at 173.3 compared to Chicago's 106.9, largely due to housing costs. Despite this, the average household income in Chicago is slightly higher. The stark difference in property taxes between the two cities reflects the variance in housing affordability, with Los Angeles offering a more favorable property tax rate but at significantly higher property values. State and sales tax rates also vary, affecting your take-home pay and day-to-day expenses. Understanding these differences is crucial for financially preparing for your move.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison
When moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, understanding the local landscape is crucial. A quick glance at the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chicago & Los Angeles provides insight into the community you’re about to join. This guide covers the political inclinations and religious preferences dominating each city, helping you feel right at home.
| Chicago | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratically inclined | Democratically inclined |
| Local Politics | Historically Democratic, with a strong union influence | Strong Democratic lean, with significant environmental and progressive activism |
| Religion | Catholicism is prominent, alongside diverse religious communities | Catholicism is significant, with a wide range of other faiths represented |
Both Chicago and Los Angeles have a strong inclination towards Democratic politics, reflecting a broader trend in their respective states. In Chicago, the rich history of labor unions significantly colors local politics, whereas Los Angeles is marked by its environmental protection efforts and progressive activism. On the religious front, Catholicism plays a pivotal role in both cities, serving as a common ground amidst their vast diversity of faiths. This shared political and religious landscape might ease your transition, but each city's unique flavor of activism and community engagement offers an exciting opportunity for you to explore and contribute to your new home.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA? Understanding the difference in traffic and transportation options between these two cities will help you better navigate your daily commute and manage expectations.
| Comparison | Chicago | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some effort | Challenging |
While both cities have their unique challenges and benefits when it comes to commuting, understanding these differences can significantly impact your daily life. In Chicago, the robust public transit system including buses and the L-train make it feasible, though sometimes inconvenient, to live without a car. In contrast, Los Angeles’s sprawling nature and less comprehensive public transit networks make owning a car almost a necessity for comfortable living and efficient commuting. Traffic congestion is a more significant issue in Los Angeles, so planning your travel times and routes carefully can save you a lot of time and frustration.
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