Best Chicago to Modesto Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to Modesto and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,130 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 43 Chicago to Modesto 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 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 Chicago compared to Modesto. 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 Modesto Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.32 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | All-Star Movers & Storage | 9.29 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Accurate Piano MOvers | 9.03 | 9.54 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to Modesto
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,130 miles from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA will cost on average $3,593 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Modesto move is roughly $8,672. 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 | $2,410 | 300 ft³ | 8.03 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,593 | 450 ft³ | 7.98 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,950 | 750 ft³ | 7.93 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,672 | 1100 ft³ | 7.88 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,534 | 1600 ft³ | 7.83 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,010 | 1800 ft³ | 7.78 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Modesto to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Modesto Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
All-Star Movers & Storage
2256 N MacArthur Dr
Tracy, CA, 95376
About All-Star Movers & Storage
Based in Manteca, locally-owned and operated All-Star Movers & Storage has over two decades of moving experience under its belt. Serving...
Services
- Residential movers
- Commercial movers
- In-state moves and local moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2971368 / 10247 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 59,102 (2023) |
Accurate Piano MOvers
Estrella Ave
Stockton, CA, 95206
About Accurate Piano MOvers
Accurate Piano Movers has more than 20 years of experience with protecting pianos. Moving your piano by yourself is dangerous, stressful,...
Services
- Local Piano Movers
- Long Distance Piano Movers
- Piano Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2773343 / 1410785 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (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.
Chicago vs. Modesto Neighborhood Comparison
When moving from one city to another, familiarizing yourself with your new home can be a daunting task. This guide leverages your knowledge of Chicago, IL & Modesto, CA neighborhoods to ease your transition. By comparing popular neighborhoods in Chicago with their closest counterparts in Modesto, you'll gain insights into where you might feel most at home.
| Chicago | Modesto | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Rose Avenue | Family-friendly with green spaces |
| Wicker Park | College Area | Vibrant arts scene |
| The Loop | Downtown Modesto | Business district and cultural hub |
| Hyde Park | La Loma | Diverse community with historic homes |
| Logan Square | Graffiti Area | Hip, with a mix of dining and nightlife |
| Gold Coast | East Modesto | Upscale homes and refined dining |
| River North | Sylvan Meadows | Trendy eateries and boutiques |
| South Loop | Wood Colony | Modern living with historical roots |
| Andersonville | Coffee Road | Quaint with small business presence |
| Bucktown | Briggsmore East | Artsy with a youthful vibe |
If you're moving from Chicago's vibrant Wicker Park, known for its arts scene and bustling nightlife, you'll find a similar vibe in Modesto's College Area, where the presence of local art and cultural events makes it a dynamic place to be. For those accustomed to the upscale and historic ambiance of Gold Coast, East Modesto offers a comparable experience with its refined dining options and stately homes. Key spots like the Gallo Center for the Arts in downtown Modesto mirror Chicago's cultural landmarks, providing a familiar sense of community and engagement. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood bustling with activity or one with a more laid-back charm, these comparisons are designed to help ease your transition.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Modesto
Embarking on a relocation journey requires a balanced assessment of both the benefits and drawbacks involved. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA , aiming to illuminate the shift in lifestyle that awaits. Through examining the cons and pros decisively, you gain clarity on this significant change.
Chicago, IL- Colder winters
- Higher crime rate
- Dense urban living
- Higher cost of living
Modesto, CA- Milder winters
- Lower crime rate
- More suburban feel
- Lower cost of living
Modesto, CA- Smaller arts scene
- Limited job opportunities
- Car-dependent
- Fewer dining options
Chicago, IL- Vibrant cultural scene
- Vast job market
- Extensive public transit
- World-class dining
Moving from Chicago's bustling city life to Modesto's more relaxed suburban atmosphere brings both exciting changes and adjustments. For instance, trading Chicago's biting winters for Modesto's milder climate can greatly affect your daily living and outdoor activity options. While you may miss the vibrant cultural scene and extensive dining options like those found at Chicago's restaurants, Modesto offers its charm with places like local parks and unique entertainment venues. Though it's a shift from the vast job market and dense urban setting of Chicago, Modesto's lower cost of living and more tranquil neighborhood environment might offer a refreshing new start.
Chicago vs. Modesto Food Guide
When considering a move, the flavors and dining options of a new city can significantly impact your lifestyle and experiences. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Chicago & Modesto to help you get a taste of what each city offers. Food is a lens into the culture and vibe of a place, and we're here to help you savor the differences and similarities.
| Chicago | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Almond Crusted Chicken |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Tri-tip |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Deep Dish | Vegan Burrito |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
With Chicago's bustling food scene, you can enjoy everything from the city's infamous deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's to the classic Italian beef sandwiches found throughout the city. Chicago's food trucks and vegan options also reflect a diverse and inclusive culinary culture. On the other hand, Modesto offers a unique blend of American and Mexican influences with dishes like Tri-tip and Tacos found across various eateries. The city's restaurants, such as Dewz Restaurant and Camp 4 Wine Cafe, showcase the local produce and innovation within Modesto's culinary scene. Both cities prioritize health and fitness, yet their approaches and available options reflect their unique local flavors and dietary preferences.
Chicago vs. Modesto Restaurant Comparison
When relocating from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA, settling into your new neighborhood includes finding your go-to spots for dining out. Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants in Chicago to their closest equivalents in Modesto will assist in discovering your new favorite eateries, using your beloved Chicago locales as a guide.
| Chicago | Modesto | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Skewers Kabob House | Offers an upscale dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes. |
| Portillo's Hot Dogs | Doc's Q'in Pit Stop | Known for its hearty American classics and a casual, welcoming vibe. |
| Girl & The Goat | Camp 4 Wine Café | A trendy spot with inventive dishes that echo the creativity of Girl & The Goat. |
| Giordano’s | Michael's Pizza Bar and Grill | Famous for its deep-dish pizza, reminiscent of Giordano’s. |
| The Purple Pig | Commonwealth | Offers a diverse menu with a focus on shareable plates in a refined setting. |
| Smoque BBQ | Bauer's 66 1/2 | Praised for authentic BBQ flavors and a down-to-earth dining experience. |
| RPM Italian | Galletto Ristorante | Provides an elegant Italian dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients. |
| Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria | Paul's Rustic Oven Pizza | Offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on traditional, handcrafted pizzas. |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Dewz Restaurant | Known for its exquisite seafood and steak dishes in a sophisticated environment. |
| Frontera Grill | Rancho Fresco Mexican Grill | Celebrated for its vibrant flavors and authentic Mexican cuisine. |
Exploring the dining scene in Modesto uncovers delightful parallels to some of Chicago's most esteemed eateries. For an exquisite upscale experience that mirrors the culinary artistry of Chicago's Alinea, indulge in the meticulous dishes at Skewers Kabob House. Fans of the iconic deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s will find solace at Michael's Pizza Bar and Grill, where the commitment to flavor and heartiness closely aligns with Chicago's pizza legacy. Furthermore, the inventive and globally inspired dishes at Camp 4 Wine Café offer a creative dining experience reminiscent of Girl & The Goat's renowned menu. These comparisons not only highlight the gastronomic diversity available in Modesto but also ensure that you can find a taste of your Chicago favorites in your new California city.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Modesto Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences the decision to move, making it essential to understand how housing in Chicago and Modesto compare. This analysis will help you grasp the differences and similarities between the two cities, focusing on aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Chicago | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Greystone | California Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to L train | Yard space, proximity to outdoor activities |
When considering a move from Chicago to Modesto, it's crucial to weigh the differences in housing and lifestyle. Chicago, with its slightly lower median home price, offers modern and Greystone architecture, which contrasts with Modesto's predominant California Ranch style homes. Chicago's higher walkability and bikeability scores reflect its dense, urban setting, which is more accommodating to those who prefer to get around without a car. However, if a more relaxed pace of life and a greater connection to outdoor activities appeal to you, Modesto's mention of yard space and proximity to nature in real estate listings might be more enticing. Additionally, both cities offer unique lifestyle scores that reflect their individual urban and community environments, catering to different preferences in living spaces.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Modesto, CA
1. La Loma: With its quiet, tree-lined streets and proximity to Elk Park, La Loma is perfect for your daily dog walks and relaxation in a pet-friendly community.
2. Village One: This newer, family-oriented neighborhood features spacious parks and walking trails such as Sylvan Park, making it ideal for pets to play and explore safely.
3. College Area: Close to the vibrancy of downtown Modesto and the scenic Virginia Corridor Trailway, the College Area offers energetic surroundings and multiple open spaces for your pets to enjoy.
Chicago vs. Modesto Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather will change is crucial for a smooth transition. In this guide, we compare the weather differences between Chicago, IL and Modesto, CA, providing insights into what you can expect as you adjust to your new home.
Chicago, IL
Modesto, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Modesto, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Modesto, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Modesto, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing the climates of Chicago, IL, and Modesto, CA, reveals stark differences that could impact your daily life. For instance, Modesto's significantly higher annual sunshine days and lack of snowfall present a vastly different winter experience compared to Chicago's snowy and colder winters. The change in natural disaster risks, from snowstorms and tornadoes in Chicago to earthquakes and wildfires in Modesto, is also an essential factor to consider for preparedness. Moreover, if you have seasonal allergies, Modesto's year-round pollen due to its longer growing season and the impact of air quality during the summer months might require adjustments to your routine.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Modesto
When moving from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA, it's crucial to compare financial aspects that will affect your day-to-day life. This comparison helps in understanding how your expenses, income, and overall cost of living will shift. Moving from Chicago to Modesto involves significant financial adjustments, making this comparison indispensable.
| Comparison | Chicago | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $70,469 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 1.0 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.1 | 0.7 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.625 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | High |
Moving from Chicago to Modesto, you'll encounter slight changes in your financial landscape. Although Modesto shows a higher cost of living index, the average sales and property taxes are notably lower than in Chicago. This could mean more disposable income for you. Furthermore, California's progressive state income tax system means your tax rate will vary significantly based on your income level, potentially offering advantages or drawbacks depending on your financial situation. The top industries in both cities suggest a shift from Chicago's finance and tech-heavy job market to Modesto's agriculture and retail dominated economy, influencing job prospects and income sources.
Chicago vs. Modesto Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between Chicago & Modesto offers you a quick glance at the political and religious landscape you're moving into, helping to set your expectations regarding the community's general viewpoints and values.
| Chicago | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Moderately Conservative |
| Local Politics | Democratic stronghold | Mixed, with a lean towards Republican |
| Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence | Christianity dominant, including significant Evangelical community |
Understanding the political and religious makeup of your new home can significantly influence your social integration process. Chicago is known for its liberal tilt and robust Democratic support, a contrast to Modesto's more moderate conservative lean, reflecting a broader representation of political affiliations including a noteworthy Republican presence. Religion plays a key role in both cities, with Chicago boasting a diverse religious landscape, whereas Modesto has a strong Christian influence, particularly within the Evangelical community. Grasping these facets will help you navigate and connect with your new community more effectively.
Chicago vs. Modesto Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Modesto, CA requires an understanding of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Modesto. This comparison will help you better comprehend what to expect in your daily commute, whether you’re hitting the road or taking public transit.
| Comparison | Chicago | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | No |
In Chicago, the average commute time is longer and traffic congestion is higher compared to Modesto. This is balanced by Chicago’s extensive public transit system. With options like the L trains and buses, it's easier to navigate the city without a car. On the other hand, Modesto's lower traffic congestion and shorter commute times come with a trade-off—the availability of public transit is quite limited, making a car almost essential for getting around. Understanding these key differences will help you adapt to your new surroundings more smoothly.
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