los angeles to chicago

---
title: "Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago: Cost, Best Movers & What to Know (2026)"
description: "Real costs, top-rated movers, and a side-by-side city breakdown for your LA to Chicago move. Full-service quotes range from $1,277 to $10,082 by home size."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords:
  - moving from Los Angeles to Chicago
  - Los Angeles to Chicago movers
  - LA to Chicago moving cost
  - California to Illinois movers
  - Los Angeles long distance movers
  - Chicago moving companies
  - moving cost Los Angeles to Chicago
---

# Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago: Cost, Best Movers & What to Know

If you're moving from Los Angeles to Chicago, you're staring down a 2,014-mile haul and a bill that can land anywhere from $1,277 to $10,082 depending on your home size and how you move. That range isn't vague — it reflects real decisions: hire a full crew or drive it yourself, move a studio or a four-bedroom, go in peak summer or dead of winter.

Below I'll cover which LA-based movers handle this route well, what the move actually costs, and what to expect once you land in Chicago.

If you're doing the reverse trip, see the [Chicago to Los Angeles moving guide](/movers/chicago-to-los-angeles).

---

## Top-Rated LA Movers for the Los Angeles to Chicago Route

Finding a capable [long-distance mover](/best/long-distance-movers) based in Los Angeles takes more digging than most people expect. I looked at over 100 local movers in LA with verified interstate experience and narrowed it down to five that consistently perform on this route, evaluated on pricing, customer reviews, and reliability.

1. **Seka Moving** — 4.64 / 5
2. **Rigo's Moving Company Inc** — 4.66 / 5
3. **Sterling Van Lines** — 4.70 / 5
4. **NorthStar Moving Company** — 4.52 / 5
5. **Best Fit Movers** — 4.50 / 5

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### Seka Moving

**355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071**
**88% positive | 12% negative**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/seka-moving-los-angeles) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=seka+moving+los+angeles+ca) · [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york-city/profile/moving-companies/seka-moving-0121-172591) — Grade A+

Seka's strongest selling point is execution — moves routinely finish ahead of schedule, items arrive undamaged, and customers repeatedly mention polite, communicative crews. For a cross-country move like LA to Chicago, that operational consistency matters. The 12% negative rate isn't alarming, but the complaints that do show up tend to center on damaged items and friction when trying to resolve those claims. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you put anything irreplaceable on the truck.

**Phone:** (323) 483-4288 | State license: 0192497 | DOT #: 3014539 | 7 years in business

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts credit card, cash, money order. Deposit required.

---

### Rigo's Moving Company Inc

**4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023**
**80% positive | 20% negative**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/rigos-moving-and-storage-inc-los-angeles) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Rigo%27s+Moving+Company+Inc+Los+Angeles%2C+CA) · [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/rigos-moving-company-inc-1216-897937) — Grade A+

Rigo's has real volume — over 560 reviews — which gives you a meaningful read on what to expect. Most customers highlight fast, efficient crews who handle furniture carefully and stay professional under pressure. The 20% negative rate is higher than I'd like; the recurring complaints are unexpected fees, late arrivals, and a few reports of being charged for time not actually worked. If you go with Rigo's, get everything in writing upfront and confirm how billing disputes get handled before anything is loaded.

**Phone:** (323) 519-2845 | State license: 0191663 | DOT #: 3075110 | 11 years in business

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.

---

### Sterling Van Lines

**6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201**
**85% positive | 14% negative**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/sterling-van-lines-bell-gardens) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Sterling+Van+Lines+6850+Suva+St+Bell+Gardens) · [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/bell-gardens/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/sterling-van-lines-1216-13027301) — Grade A+

Thirty-three years in business means Sterling has seen this route before. Customers praise their competitive pricing, careful crews, and responsive support — and they're specifically well-regarded for smaller moves, so if you're relocating a studio or one-bedroom from LA, they're worth a call. On the negative side, some reviewers flag missed delivery estimates and a lack of mid-move updates. At 84.5% positive across 362 reviews, they're a reliable option — just build buffer time into your schedule on the Chicago end.

**Phone:** (866) 266-8751 | State license: 0189566 | DOT #: 568254 | 33 years in business

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit card, cash, money order.

---

### NorthStar Moving Company

**633 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071**
**92% positive | 6% negative**

- [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/northstar-movers-los-angeles-3) · [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=northstar+moving+company+633+W.+5th+Street+Los+Angeles) · [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/moving-companies/northstar-movers-1216-1652998) — Grade A+

NorthStar is the most-reviewed mover on this list and carries the strongest positive rate — 92% across nearly 1,800 reviews is genuinely hard to argue with. Customers consistently cite punctual arrivals, careful packing, and a crew that takes some of the chaos out of a stressful move. Pricing is seen as fair given the quality, especially relative to competitors charging similar rates with worse outcomes. The 6% negative minority points to estimate-vs-final discrepancies and some delivery delays — keep a close eye on your itemized quote and get the delivery window in writing.

**Phone:** (213) 622-7767 | State license: 0182466 | DOT #: 1836576 | 7 years in business

**Services:** Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Accepts credit card, cash.

---

### Best Fit Movers

**2466 E 16th St Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90021**
**71% positive | 29% negative**

- [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=best+fit+movers+los+angeles+ca) · [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-diego/profile/moving-companies/best-fit-movers-1126-172020142) — Grade A+

I'll be straight: the 29% negative rate here gives me more hesitation than the others on this list. Customers who had good experiences describe efficient, careful crews — but the complaints are specific and consistent: damaged furniture, surprise charges, and unresolved claims. If budget points you here, document everything. Photos before and after, written confirmation of all fees, and clarity on their claims process before you sign anything.

**Phone:** (323) 827-8950 | State license: 0191680 | DOT #: 3051481 | 7 years in business

**Services:** Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts credit card, cash. Deposit required.

---

## How Much Does It Cost to Move from Los Angeles to Chicago?

[California movers](/movers/california) average around $129 per hour for local work, but on a 2,014-mile route, pricing shifts to weight-and-distance-based models. Before you start calling movers, use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a realistic budget range for your home size — then compare at least three actual quotes.

| Move size | Full-service movers | Moving containers | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,277 – $4,772 | $1,137 – $2,759 | $1,124 – $2,211 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,335 – $7,393 | $1,926 – $3,922 | $1,229 – $2,581 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,005 – $10,082 | $2,557 – $5,510 | $1,491 – $2,943 |

*Estimated ranges for a 2,014-mile move as of January 2026. Your total will vary based on volume, selected services, access restrictions, fuel costs, and timing.*

### Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Los Angeles to Chicago

[Full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers) handle packing, loading, transport, and delivery — on a 2,000-mile move, that convenience is worth pricing out even if you ultimately go a different route. Studio or one-bedroom: $1,277–$4,772. Two to three bedrooms: $3,335–$7,393. Four-plus bedrooms: $6,005–$10,082.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Los Angeles to Chicago

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) sit in the middle of the cost spectrum. You do the packing on your schedule, and the company handles the haul. Small moves run $1,137–$2,759. Two to three bedrooms typically land at $1,926–$3,922. Larger homes with four or more bedrooms run $2,557–$5,510.

### Cost of Rental Trucks from Los Angeles to Chicago

A [rental truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest way to cover this distance, but you're trading money for 2,000-plus miles behind the wheel. Studio and one-bedroom: $1,124–$2,211. Two to three bedrooms: $1,229–$2,581. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,491–$2,943. These ranges include estimated fuel costs.

### What Affects Your Final Price

- **Volume:** A one-bedroom move averages around $2,338; a four-bedroom can push toward $9,945.
- **Season:** Summer is peak season in LA — movers are busier and less negotiable. Spring and fall give you better pricing leverage.
- **Move type:** [Cheap movers](/best/cheap-movers) and DIY truck rentals can save you real money, but price in your time and the reality of a cross-country drive before committing.

---

## What to Know Before Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago

If LA's cost of living has been the primary push factor in your decision, Chicago will feel like breathing room. Singles typically spend around 37% less per month; families around 27% less. But it's not a clean sweep — a few line items actually run higher.

| | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1BR rent | $2,603 | $2,368 |
| Average 3BR rent | $4,443 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $295,743 |
| Per capita income | $74,993 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,720 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. BLS, Tax Foundation*

Here's where the numbers actually matter:

- **Rent** runs about 9% lower for a one-bedroom, and the gap widens dramatically if you're buying — Chicago's median home value is roughly 88% below LA's.
- **Income** barely moves. The per capita gap between the two cities is under 5%, so you're not taking a major earnings hit by [moving to Illinois](/movers/illinois).
- **Day-to-day costs** favor Chicago across groceries, utilities, and fuel. A single person's monthly cost of living is 37% lower.
- **State income tax** is the standout line: Illinois at 4.95% versus California's 13.3%. That's a meaningful difference in what actually hits your account each month.
- **Sales tax** runs slightly higher in Chicago — 10.25% vs 9.5% — so factor that in on big purchases.
- **Jobs:** Chicago's unemployment rate of 9.0% edges out LA's 10.6%, suggesting a somewhat healthier labor market.

Here's how day-to-day expenses compare:

| Expense | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.15 |
| Fast food / casual meal | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $78.31 |

Utilities, groceries, and phone plans all dip slightly in Chicago. Gym memberships are the outlier — notably higher. Dining out lands about the same in both cities.

### How Life Changes: Los Angeles vs. Chicago

| | Los Angeles | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 2,746,388 |
| Public transit score | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 77/100 |
| Bike-friendliness score | 59/100 | 72/100 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |

*Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow*

Chicago beats LA on transit (9 vs 8), walkability (77 vs 69), bike infrastructure (72 vs 59), and air quality (Good vs Moderate). The crime and safety numbers deserve a closer look — Chicago's lower crime index reflects fewer neighborhoods ranking above the national average in safety, while the safety index also runs lower than LA's. What this means in practice: both cities have wide neighborhood-to-neighborhood variation. Research specific blocks before you sign a lease.

### Other Practical Considerations

- **Elevator reservations:** If you're moving into a Chicago high-rise — common there — book your elevator window weeks in advance. Most buildings restrict move-in hours and require deposits.
- **Truck parking permits:** Chicago requires permits for oversized moving trucks on certain streets. Confirm requirements with the city before move day.
- **Illinois licensing:** Movers handling intrastate work in Illinois must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify any mover's license before signing a contract.
- **State regulator:** To check an Illinois mover's license status, contact the state's public utilities commission directly.
- **Insurance:** You have two federally mandated options — Released Value Protection (free, pays out 60 cents per pound per item) or Full Value Protection (higher cost, covers replacement or repair). On a cross-country move, that distinction is real money. Ask your mover for details, or explore third-party coverage independently.
- **Change of address:** Set your official move date with USPS early enough that mail forwarding is live before you arrive. Don't leave it until the week of.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to track everything from utility transfers to school enrollment — it's easy to let things fall through on a long-distance move.

---

## Where to Live in Chicago

Chicago's neighborhoods vary more than most cities its size — you can be in a dense, transit-rich grid or a quiet, tree-lined pocket that barely feels urban. Here's a starting point by situation.

### Best Neighborhoods for Singles

- **Lake View** — Active, walkable, with nightlife along Belmont and Clark.
- **Lincoln Park** — Upscale with energy, close to the park and a strong dining scene.
- **The Loop** — Downtown living; makes sense if you work in the central business district.
- **Near North Side** — River North and the Gold Coast if budget allows.
- **West Town** — Creative, evolving, and popular with younger professionals priced out of Lincoln Park.

### Best Neighborhoods for Families

- **Beverly** — Quiet, residential, and underrated — strong schools, genuine community feel.
- **Edison Park** — Northwest edge of the city; close to suburban without leaving it.
- **Lincoln Park** — Consistently popular for good reason: schools, parks, relative safety.
- **North Center** — Family-oriented with solid transit and a neighborhood-first culture.
- **West Loop** — Newer construction, strong amenities, and rapid development.

### Things to Do in Chicago

- **Arts and culture:** The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Chicago History Museum are all genuinely world-class. You won't run out of things to explore.
- **Outdoor spaces:** Millennium Park, Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and the 606 trail give the city a green layer that complements the density rather than fighting it.
- **Sports:** Chicago goes all the way across the calendar — Bears (NFL), Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Blackhawks (NHL), Bulls (NBA), Fire (MLS), and Sky (WNBA). If you care about live sports, this city delivers.

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## FAQ

### When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Spring and fall. You avoid peak-season pricing on the LA end, the worst of the Midwest humidity, and the Chicago winter on arrival. April–May or September–October are your windows.

### When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Winter. Demand drops significantly and movers get more flexible on price. The trade-off is landing in Chicago during its coldest, grimmest stretch. Some people find that worth it; others don't.

### How long does a move from Los Angeles to Chicago take?

On a 2,014-mile move, most movers quote a delivery window of 6 to 17 business days. If you need it faster, ask about expedited service — available from some carriers at a premium. If you need flexibility on the Chicago end, storage-in-transit is worth asking about.

### What discounts do LA movers typically offer?

It varies by company. Among movers serving this route, common offers include AAA member discounts, military pricing, and senior discounts. These aren't always advertised — ask directly before you book and confirm eligibility requirements.

### What about moving a piano or antiques from LA?

Both need specialists. There are roughly 82 movers in the LA area with dedicated piano-moving capability, and around 71 that specifically handle antiques. Not every company on this list is set up for either — ask explicitly before assuming. Book early; specialty capacity fills faster than standard slots.

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Ready to nail down your budget? Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to build your baseline, then compare quotes from at least three of the movers listed above before you commit to anything.