Best Chicago to Santa Clarita Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,076 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 51 Chicago to Santa Clarita 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 Prodigy Moving & Storage), 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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Prodigy Moving & Storage9.529.47Authorized For HHGContact
2606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
4A1 Movers, Inc9.329.57Authorized For HHGContact
5Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chicago to Santa Clarita

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,076 miles from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA will cost on average $3,547 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Santa Clarita move is roughly $8,560. 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$2,379300 ft³7.93
1 Bedroom$3,547450 ft³7.88
2 Bedrooms$5,874750 ft³7.83
3 Bedrooms$8,5601100 ft³7.78
4 Bedrooms$12,3701600 ft³7.73
5+ Bedrooms$13,8271800 ft³7.68
*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 Santa Clarita to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Santa Clarita Movers

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

Prodigy Moving & Storage Logo

Prodigy Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 11,170+ data points

9349 Oso Ave

Chatsworth, CA, 91311

About Prodigy Moving & Storage

Since 2003, Prodigy Moving & Storage has been helping families and businesses relocate within the state of California. As a trusted...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3983945 / 1492541 MC-430697

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
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 15,326+ 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

Exceptional9.32/10
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

Exceptional9.19/10
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. Santa Clarita Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be an adventure, but finding the right neighborhood feels like discovering home. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with Santa Clarita, CA by comparing neighborhoods from your current city, Chicago, IL. Through a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Santa Clarita, CA, we'll match each area's vibe, amenities, and charm to make your transition as seamless as possible.

ChicagoSanta ClaritaHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkValenciaFamily-friendly, vibrant shopping/dining
Wicker ParkOld Town NewhallTrendy, artsy with a historic touch
The LoopValencia Town CenterBustling with commercial activities
Gold CoastWestridgeUpscale, luxurious homes with scenic views
River NorthTown CenterVibrant nightlife and cultural experiences
Logan SquareCanyon CountryDiverse, with a community-focused vibe
LakeviewSaugusFamily-oriented with recreational parks
Hyde ParkNewhallRich in history and cultural diversity
South LoopCastaicDeveloping, with natural landscapes and outdoor activities
AndersonvilleStevenson RanchQuaint, with a sense of community and charm

In Chicago's Lincoln Park, where you're accustomed to a vibrant shopping and dining scene just moments away from tranquil park settings, Valencia's balanced lifestyle will appeal to you. Valencia not only offers family-friendly neighborhoods but also features the bustling Valencia Town Center, mirroring Lincoln Park's blend of leisure and excitement. If the trendy and artsy vibe of Wicker Park resonates with you, Old Town Newhall's emerging cultural scene, adorned with theaters like the Canyon Theatre Guild, and its historical elements will capture your heart. And for those who love the upscale and luxurious atmosphere of the Gold Coast, Westridge provides a similar essence with its scenic views and meticulously designed homes, offering a perfect backdrop for those sunset views you've cherished back in Chicago.

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Things to Do in Santa Clarita

  • Ride thrilling coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Explore local hiking trails
  • Enjoy a show at The Canyon
  • Relax in William S. Hart Park
  • Visit the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society Museum
  • Sample wines at Agua Dulce Winery
  • Stroll through Old Town Newhall

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita

Moving from one city to another can be a game-changer in many aspects of life. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA. Understanding both sides will help you prepare for the transition, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Colder winters
  • Higher crime rate
  • Dense urban living
  • Limited outdoor activities
Santa Clarita, CA iconSanta Clarita, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Lower crime rate
  • Suburban lifestyle
  • Abundant outdoor activities
Santa Clarita, CA iconSanta Clarita, CA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • More limited dining options
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer cultural landmarks
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Public transportation
  • Cultural landmarks

While the transition from Chicago's bustling urban environment to Santa Clarita's more laid-back suburban lifestyle might seem daunting, it comes with several lifestyle perks. For outdoors enthusiasts, replacing the Windy City's chill with Santa Clarita's numerous hiking trails, like those at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, is a dream come true. Although Santa Clarita may have fewer dining options, establishments like Salt Creek Grille and Newhall Refinery offer compelling menus that highlight the local cuisine. And while Santa Clarita might not boast the extensive public transportation system Chicago does, the trade-off includes less congestion and a more personal sense of community, characteristics much cherished in suburban living.

Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Santa Clarita will illuminate the rich tapestry of culinary delights awaiting you. Understanding the food scene is essential in appreciating the culture and lifestyle of where you're moving to.

ChicagoSanta Clarita
Most iconic local food itemDeep Dish PizzaTacos
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichTri-tip
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodDeep Dish Vegan PizzaAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Newhall Refinery
  • Salt Creek Grille
  • Egg Plantation
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita, you’ll transition from the hearty, indulgent flavors of deep-dish pizzas and Italian beef sandwiches to a lighter, yet equally robust palette centered around fresh tacos and tri-tip. Santa Clarita loves its tacos, available on virtually every street corner, especially in local hubs like Old Town Newhall. While both cities cater well to vegans, Santa Clarita takes avocado toast to new heights. For those planning to dine out, consider visiting Newhall Refinery, where local ingredients meet inventive cuisine, or Egg Plantation for a breakfast spread that's hard to beat. This shift in culinary scenes reflects the lifestyle and diet preferences of each city's residents.

Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Restaurant Comparison

Finding culinary delights similar to those you love can make a new city feel like home. Our restaurant comparison chart between Chicago, IL, and Santa Clarita, CA is designed to help you discover your next go-to dining spot, relying on familiar tastes to guide you in a new environment.

ChicagoSanta ClaritaWhat You'll Love
AlineaLe CheneA unique blend of fine dining and French cuisine
Portillo’s Hot DogsWienerschnitzelKnown for their hot dogs and casual dining experience
Girl & The GoatNewhall RefineryOffers a creative and eclectic food menu
Lou Malnati’s PizzeriaTomato Joe’s Pizza & TapsSimilar emphasis on deep-dish pizza and family-friendly atmosphere
The PublicanBricksGreat for craft beer enthusiasts and hearty, rustic dishes
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabFish Tail GrillCasual dine-in offering a range of seafood and steak options
Rick Bayless’ Frontera GrillLa Cocina Bar & GrillAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist
Big StarSolita Tacos & MargaritasPerfect for taco aficionados looking for innovative dishes
Giordano’sVincenzo's PizzaOffers stuffed pizzas that rival Giordano’s legendary pies
RoisterSmokehouse on MainAmerican comfort food with a focus on smoked meats

For those who relish the deep-dish pizza reminiscent of Lou Malnati’s, Tomato Joe’s Pizza & Taps in Santa Clarita awaits with its own take on this Chicago classic, encapsulating the familiar, comforting essence with a West Coast twist. Meanwhile, aficionados of Alinea’s avant-garde dining experiences will find Le Chene a compelling contender, offering a semblance of fine dining with a French flair. Likewise, the laid-back yet flavorful essence of Portillo’s can be recaptured at Wienerschnitzel, ensuring the transition from Chicago’s bustling food scene to Santa Clarita’s culinary landscape is as seamless and flavorful as possible.

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Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate markets of Chicago, IL, and Santa Clarita, CA is crucial. This comparison will give you a clear idea of what to expect in terms of housing in your new city, focusing on key factors like cost, architecture, and lifestyle.











































HousingChicagoSanta Clarita
Median Home Price (USD)$271,000$600,000
Median Monthly Rent (USD)$1,650$2,300
Typical Architecture StyleBrick Bungalows, GreystonesModern, Ranch
Walkability (out of 10)74
Bikeability (out of 10)65
Urban Lifestyle (out of 10)96
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to transit, Lake viewsQuiet neighborhoods, Family-friendly

The housing market in Chicago offers a more urban and diverse architectural experience with its historic brick bungalows and Greystones, often highlighted for their proximity to public transit and the iconic lake views. On the other hand, Santa Clarita, with its higher median home price and rent, reflects a preference for modern and ranch-style homes. This Southern California city is often appreciated for its quiet neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere, albeit with a lower walkability and bikeability compared to Chicago. Ultimately, your choice might depend on what aspects of housing and lifestyle are most important to you, whether it’s the urban convenience and architectural heritage of Chicago or the spacious, modern living and community focus of Santa Clarita.

ComparisonChicagoSanta Clarita
Typical Architecture StyleBrick Bungalows, GreystonesModern, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to transit, Lake viewsQuiet neighborhoods, Family-friendly

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Clarita, CA

1. Valencia: Known for its extensive paseos (walking paths) and parks, including the dog-friendly Central Bark Dog Park, Valencia ensures your pets have plenty of space to play and explore.

2. Saugus: Saugus features large, pet-friendly backyards and close proximity to several hiking trails in the Santa Clarita Valley, providing you and your furry friends with endless outdoor adventure opportunities.

3. Canyon Country: With access to pet-friendly amenities and services such as Petco for all your pet needs, and the spacious Canyon Country Park, this neighborhood offers a comfortable living environment for pet owners.

Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another means adapting to new weather conditions. It's crucial to understand how the weather in Chicago, IL, compares to Santa Clarita, CA, to prepare adequately for what awaits you. This comparison will provide valuable insights into the climatic changes you should expect.

Summer icon
82°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

97°F / 64°F

Santa Clarita, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 22°F

Chicago, IL

68°F/ 38°F

Santa Clarita, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Chicago, IL

19

Santa Clarita, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
35

Chicago, IL

0

Santa Clarita, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoSanta Clarita
Air QualityVariable, prone to pollutionGenerally good but can be affected by wildfires
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita, you will experience a significant climate change, particularly in terms of sunshine and winter temperatures. Santa Clarita offers roughly 280 days of sunshine per year compared to Chicago's 189, ensuring more sunny days. The winters are milder in Santa Clarita, with average highs that make winter coats optional rather than a necessity. Additionally, the lower humidity in Santa Clarita can make the warmer temperatures feel more comfortable, though it is essential to stay hydrated and be mindful of sun exposure, especially given the higher UV index.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances may be affected. This comparison aims to highlight the key financial aspects one should consider when relocating from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA. By examining variables such as average income, cost of living, and taxes, you can prepare better for your upcoming transition.

ComparisonChicagoSanta Clarita
Avg. Household Income$66,576$109,336
Cost of Living Index116.9136.4
State Income Tax4.959.3
Avg. Property Tax2.100.77
Avg. Sales Tax10.259.50
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, Information TechnologyEntertainment, Manufacturing, Health Care
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

Moving from Chicago to Santa Clarita involves navigating a complex landscape of financial differences. You'll find that while the average household income in Santa Clarita is significantly higher, so too is the cost of living, with a particularly notable difference in housing costs as reflected in the cost of living index and property taxes. This disparity suggests that, despite higher incomes, managing expenses in Santa Clarita might not be as straightforward as the numbers suggest. Moreover, the higher state income tax rate in California will also impact your take-home pay. It’s important to consider these economic factors, along with the differences in sales tax and the primary industries in each city, as they will influence your job prospects and overall financial wellbeing after the move.

Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another is a big step. It's vital to understand not just the physical but also the social landscape of your new home. This guide provides a quick snapshot comparison of the political and religious makeup between Chicago & Santa Clarita , giving you insights into the community you're about to join.

ChicagoSanta Clarita
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticMixed, with a slight lean towards Republican
Local PoliticsEmphasis on social issues, urban developmentFocus on suburban planning, education
ReligionDiverse, with significant Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communitiesDiverse, predominantly Christian, with notable Catholic and Protestant communities

As you transition from Chicago to Santa Clarita, you'll notice shifts in political and religious climates that mirror the broader differences between urban and suburban environments. Chicago's political scene is heavily Democratic with a strong focus on social issues and urban development. Santa Clarita, however, presents a more balanced political leaning, often skewed slightly towards Republican ideologies, especially in matters related to suburban planning and education. Religiously, both cities boast diversity, yet Chicago's rich mosaic of faiths offers a broader spectrum in comparison to the predominantly Christian demographic profile of Santa Clarita. Understanding these aspects will help you appreciate the unique social fabric of your new city.

Chicago vs. Santa Clarita Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Santa Clarita, CA brings about significant changes, particularly in your daily commute. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Santa Clarita is designed to help you grasp what to expect in your new environment, easing the transition.

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

In Chicago, the extensive public transit system allows residents to navigate the city without a personal vehicle, making it an eco-friendly and efficient option. In contrast, Santa Clarita's public transit options are more limited, making a car almost essential for getting around. Furthermore, while both cities experience their share of traffic congestion, Chicago's is more pronounced, yet it’s mitigated by reliable public transport. Transitioning to Santa Clarita might mean shorter average commute times, but you’ll likely need to adjust to a more car-dependent lifestyle.

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