Best Chicago to San Bernardino Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to San Bernardino and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,947 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 Chicago to San Bernardino 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 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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
4Antonio’s Moving Services LLC9.039.2Authorized For HHGContact
5Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc8.458.58Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to San Bernardino

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,947 miles from Chicago, IL to San Bernardino, CA will cost on average $3,437 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to San Bernardino move is roughly $8,291. 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$2,306300 ft³7.69
1 Bedroom$3,437450 ft³7.64
2 Bedrooms$5,691750 ft³7.59
3 Bedrooms$8,2911100 ft³7.54
4 Bedrooms$11,9801600 ft³7.49
5+ Bedrooms$13,3881800 ft³7.44
*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 San Bernardino to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to San Bernardino Movers

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

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
1
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
2
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
3
Antonio’s Moving Services LLC Logo

Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 489+ data points

Norco, CA, 92860

About Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Established in 2014, Antonio's Moving Services LLC is a professional moving company that offers customizable residential and commercial moving services. Based...

Services

  • Unloading & Loading
  • Packing & Unpacking
  • On-site Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3853814 / 1542735

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc Logo

Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc

Fabulous8.45/10
based on 713+ data points

5114 Westerfield St

Riverside, CA, 92509

About Beltran Moving and Delivery Service Inc

With over 30 years' experience in the industry, Beltran Moving never wavered in its commitment to provide high-quality local, intrastate, and...

Services

  • Complete Moving Services
  • Local or long-distance moving
  • Next-day service available

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2097345 / 731581

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved400 (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. San Bernardino Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into unknown territory. To help ease this transition, we've crafted a guide that contrasts local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & San Bernardino, CA. By comparing familiar areas in Chicago with equivalent spots in San Bernardino, we aim to provide a semblance of home in a brand-new setting. Let's dive into the neighborhood comparisons.

ChicagoSan BernardinoHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkVerdemontFamily-friendly, green spaces
Wicker ParkNorth ParkEclectic, vibrant arts scene
The LoopDowntown San BernardinoUrban core, business district
Hyde ParkUniversity DistrictEducational hub, historic
Gold CoastArrowheadHistoric, upscale living
River NorthDel RosaNightlife, dining options
Old TownHighlandCharming, historic homes
Logan SquareSouth PointeHip, youthful energy
LakeviewLoma LindaCommunity-oriented, outdoor activities
PilsenMuscoyVibrant cultural community

For those moving from Chicago's Lincoln Park, praised for its vast green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere, Verdemont in San Bernardino offers a similar vibe with its community parks and recreation areas. If the vibrant, eclectic energy of Wicker Park is what you'll miss, North Park's lively arts scene and neighborhood charm in San Bernardino might just be your next favorite spot. For residents of The Loop used to a bustling urban environment, Downtown San Bernardino provides a mix of business and leisure to maintain that lively urban rhythm. Lastly, Hyde Park's blend of educational prominence and historic significance finds a parallel in San Bernardino's University District, offering a sense of intellectual community amidst historical settings. Each of these neighborhoods brings its own unique flavor, ensuring you’ll find a slice of Chicago in the heart of San Bernardino.

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Things to Do in San Bernardino

  • Explore the San Bernardino County Museum
  • Enjoy hiking in San Bernardino National Forest
  • Visit the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
  • Attend a concert at Yaamava' Resort & Casino
  • Stroll through Perris Hill Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to San Bernardino

Moving from Chicago, IL to San Bernardino, CA presents a unique set of challenges and rewards, contrasting climates, cultural scenes, and lifestyle opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Colder winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense urban living
  • Less outdoor activities
San Bernardino, CA iconSan Bernardino, CA
  • Warmer climate
  • More affordable
  • Spacious neighborhoods
  • Abundant outdoor activities
San Bernardino, CA iconSan Bernardino, CA
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less historic depth
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant city culture
  • Extensive public transit
  • World-class dining
  • Richer historic sites

While moving from the bustling urban environment of Chicago to the sprawling, sun-soaked valleys of San Bernardino might seem like a cultural shock, it offers a blend of outdoor activities and affordability not found in the Windy City. San Bernardino is home to the San Bernardino National Forest, providing an endless playground for hiking, biking, and exploring. Although you might miss Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza, local gems in San Bernardino like Alfredo's Pizza and Pasta offer a taste of the diverse culinary landscape awaiting you. Neighborhoods like Loma Linda and San Bernardino's Historic Downtown blend modern amenities with a sense of community often missed in larger cities, offering an attractive alternative for those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing convenience.

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Food Guide

When considering a move, it's essential to understand how food reflects the personality of a place. We're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & San Bernardino to help you grasp the contrasting flavors of your current and future homes. This insight aims to prepare you for the culinary journey that awaits.

ChicagoSan Bernardino
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaMexican cuisine
Most popular meat dishItalian beefCarne asada
Most popular street food itemHot dogTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan deep-dish pizzaVegan tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While Chicago is renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Italian beef, symbolizing the city's rich cultural tapestry, San Bernardino offers a dive into authentic Mexican cuisine with its famous carne asada and tacos found throughout the city. Foodies moving from Chicago might miss the famed Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, but will find delightful alternatives in San Bernardino's vibrant food scene, such as the unique offerings at Molly's Tamales. Both cities present a robust food truck culture, with San Bernardino edging slightly ahead, promising an exciting exploration of street foods. Whether you're craving the vegan options sprawling through Chicago or the emerging vegan scene in San Bernardino, there's a comforting assurance of finding your next favorite dish in your new home.

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This comparison aims to ease your transition by identifying eateries in San Bernardino that echo the essence of your favorite Chicago restaurants. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and San Bernardino seeks to help you uncover your new go-to spots for exceptional dining experiences.

ChicagoSan BernardinoWhat You'll Love
AlineaMiyagi SushiOffers a unique and innovative dining experience reminiscent of Alinea's culinary creativity
Giordano'sAlfredo's Pizza & PastaFamous for deep-dish pizzas that rival Giordano's in taste and heartiness
The Purple PigThe Cutting Board Restaurant & BarKnown for its eclectic menu and shareable plates, akin to The Purple Pig's approach
Portillo's Hot DogsGeorge's BurgersA local favorite for its hot dogs and burgers, offering a taste of Portillo's iconic menu
Girl & The GoatBJ's Restaurant & BrewhouseWhile more mainstream, BJ's offers a diverse menu that can satisfy cravings similar to Girl & The Goat's innovative dishes
RoisterBlack Angus SteakhouseKnown for its hearty fare and open-flame cooking, reminiscent of Roister's ambiance and culinary style
Smoque BBQLucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-QueA haven for BBQ enthusiasts, offering a taste of Smoque BBQ's acclaimed smoked meats and comfort sides
RPM ItalianCastaway Restaurant & EventsOffers a sophisticated Italian dining experience akin to RPM Italian's modern take on classic dishes
Au ChevalIn-N-Out BurgerWhile a fast-food option, In-N-Out is celebrated for its quality burgers that can rival the gourmet offerings of Au Cheval
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaAntonio's PizzaDelivers a deep-dish pizza experience with a focus on quality ingredients, reminiscent of Lou Malnati's

When considering a move from Chicago to San Bernardino, the culinary scene will be an important aspect of your transition. For those who savor the deep, complex flavors of Smoque BBQ's brisket, you'll find solace in Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, where the dedication to smoked meats and perfectly paired sides will remind you of home. Italian food enthusiasts who revel in the modern twist on traditional dishes that RPM Italian presents will be pleasantly surprised by the elegance and quality of meals at Castaway Restaurant & Events. Not to mention, pizza lovers mourning the loss of Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza will find a worthy counterpart in Antonio's Pizza, ensuring that the essence of Chicago's iconic foods is never too far away, even in San Bernardino.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when considering a move. Understanding how Chicago, IL and San Bernardino, CA stack up against each other in terms of housing can greatly assist in making an informed decision. This comparison will highlight key differences and similarities in housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and livability.

ComparisonChicagoSan Bernardino
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Historic MixSpanish and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake views, Proximity to public transitMountain views, Large yards

Both Chicago and San Bernardino offer distinct living experiences influenced by their unique environments and cultures. The significantly higher walkability and bikeability scores of Chicago are indicative of a city designed with pedestrian and cyclist convenience in mind, largely due to its dense urban core and well-established public transit system. This contrasts with San Bernardino's sprawling landscape, where a car is the primary mode of transport. Also, housing costs show a notable difference; Chicago's high median rent reflects its demand in urban living and proximity to amenities, whereas San Bernardino boasts a lower cost of living with more affordable rents, catering to those seeking spacious homes at a lesser expense. Architecturally, Chicago showcases a blend of historical and modern design, offering lake views and cityscapes, while San Bernardino's homes lean towards Spanish and ranch styles, often highlighting mountain views and sizable yards, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Bernardino, CA

1. North Park: Known for its spacious parks such as Perris Hill Park, North Park offers you and your pets plenty of green space for walks and playtime.

2. Del Rosa: This neighborhood boasts pet-friendly hiking trails like those found in the San Bernardino National Forest, perfect for adventurous pets and their owners.

3. University Heights: With its close proximity to California State University, San Bernardino, University Heights provides pet-friendly housing options and community events that welcome furry friends.

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding the climatic differences is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in Chicago, IL, and San Bernardino, CA, will vary, providing you with a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
82°F / 65°F

Chicago, IL

96°F / 64°F

San Bernardino, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
33°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

68°F / 43°F

San Bernardino, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

16

San Bernardino, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

0

San Bernardino, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoSan Bernardino
Air QualityModerateVaries (Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
Natural DisastersBlizzards, floodsWildfires, earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Chicago offers a distinct four-season experience with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, San Bernardino features a more arid climate exemplified by hot summers and mild winters. San Bernardino sees significantly more days of sunshine annually, which could be a welcome change for those used to the relatively overcast skies of Chicago. However, it's important to prepare for the higher average temperatures and UV index, especially during the summer months. Moreover, while Chicago's weather concerns primarily include blizzards and floods, moving to San Bernardino introduces you to the risks of wildfires and earthquakes—factors worth considering for your emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, assessing the financial landscape is essential. This comparison chart offers a glimpse into how Chicago and San Bernardino stack up in terms of money and finance, helping you gauge the economic shift you're about to experience.

ComparisonChicagoSan Bernardino
Avg. Household Income$66,576$65,311
Cost of Living Index116.9136.4
State Income Tax4.959.3
Avg. Property Tax2.10.8
Avg. Sales Tax10.258.0
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, ManufacturingGovernment, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHigherHigher
HomelessnessNotableSignificant

Transitioning from Chicago to San Bernardino entails adjusting to a slightly higher cost of living and a noticeable increase in state income tax rates. While the average household income is lower in San Bernardino, property taxes are more favorable, potentially making home ownership more accessible. The dominant industries in each city reflect their unique economic landscapes, with Chicago being a hub for finance and manufacturing, and San Bernardino's economy rooted in government, education, and healthcare sectors. Both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, yet these issues manifest differently within their urban contexts.

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another involves not just a physical shift but also a cultural and societal one. This comparison of the politics between Chicago & San Bernardino aims to offer you a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the places, aiding in setting your expectations and helping you adapt to your new home.

ChicagoSan Bernardino
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsHighly ActiveModerately Active
ReligionDiverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant populationsDiverse, with notable Catholic, Protestant, and also a growing number of non-affiliated individuals

While both Chicago and San Bernardino lean Democratic in their political makeup, you'll find some differences in how local politics play out. Chicago is known for its highly active political scene, deeply ingrained in the city's culture. This might be a noticeable change when moving to San Bernardino, where local politics, although still present, may not be as pervasive in daily life. Religiously, both cities offer a rich diversity, but you may observe a higher percentage of individuals identifying as non-affiliated with any religion in San Bernardino compared to Chicago. This mix can significantly influence the community vibe and social interactions you'll experience.

Chicago vs. San Bernardino Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to San Bernardino, CA, it's crucial to understand the differences in the daily commute and traffic patterns. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Chicago & San Bernardino aims to equip you with the necessary insights for your relocation.

ComparisonChicagoSan Bernardino
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesChallenging

In Chicago, you'll find a bustling urban landscape with a significant reliance on public transportation. The city's CTA system, consisting of buses and trains, makes navigating the city without a car quite feasible. In contrast, San Bernardino offers a more car-dependent lifestyle due to its sprawling layout and limited public transit options. While San Bernardino does have some public transit services, like the Omnitrans buses, they are less comprehensive than Chicago's network, highlighting the necessity of owning a car for a more flexible commute. These differences also reflect in their traffic congestion levels, with Chicago experiencing slightly higher traffic jams due to its denser urban environment.

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