If you're moving from San Bernardino to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,913 miles between your current front door and wherever you're landing next. That's a serious cross-country haul — not a weekend rental situation for most households — and costs can swing considerably depending on how you handle it.
Below I've broken down what this route actually costs, which San Bernardino movers handle interstate work well, and what the transition to Illinois actually looks like on the ground. The cost of living difference alone is worth understanding before you sign anything.
Local moving companies in San Bernardino
Out of the 34 San Bernardino movers I track that are set up for state-to-state work, here are five worth considering for a move to Illinois:
- Alex Moving and Storage — 4.38 / 5
- Burgess Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
- VIP Transport, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
- Golden West Moving Systems, Inc. — 4.38 / 5
- Inland Empire Movers — 4.36 / 5
Alex Moving and Storage
1877 N Massachusetts Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92411 | (714) 482-3599
- Yelp reviews: 4.3/5 (68 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.3/5 (58 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
- Positive reviews: 43% | Negative reviews: 55%
The split on reviews is the headline here, and it's not a good one — over half of analyzed feedback is negative. On a nearly 2,000-mile move, that kind of accountability gap matters more than it would on a local job. The positives are real: efficient crews, professional conduct on smooth moves, clear communication when things go well. But the negatives — damaged items, missing boxes, poor follow-through — show up with more frequency than you'd want to see from a long-haul partner. I'd want to see stronger consistency before handing them a full household.
Company info: State license #0164751 | DOT #582228 | 35 years in business | Also operates as: Uribe Trucking, Inc.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing and unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques; crating; crane vans; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; DOD certified; credit cards accepted; deposit required.
Burgess Moving and Storage
1625 Iowa Ave., Riverside, CA 92507 | (951) 682-4300
- Yelp reviews: 4.4/5 (62 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
- Positive reviews: 86% | Negative reviews: 11%
Burgess has 78 years in the industry, and the track record shows. Out of 100 reviews analyzed, 86% are positive — customers point consistently to professional crews, careful handling, and the kind of organized communication that matters on a long-haul move. The 11% negative feedback covers the usual trouble spots: damage disputes, unexpected charges, and the occasional delay. Where Burgess loses points is in post-move follow-up when something does go wrong. That's worth asking about directly before you book.
Company info: State license #0056647 | DOT #070851 | 78 years in business | Also operates as: Burgess North America, North American Moving & Storage, Inland Moving & Storage Company, Burgess North American
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing and unpacking; offices; pianos; art; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; credit cards accepted.
VIP Transport, Inc.
2703 Wardlow Rd, Corona, CA 92882 | (951) 272-3700
- Yelp reviews: 4.6/5 (95 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.6/5 (80 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
- Positive reviews: 89% | Negative reviews: 9%
Top score in this group, and the review volume backs it up — 244 total reviews with 88.5% positive. VIP Transport operates as a Mayflower and United Van Lines agent, which means national infrastructure for interstate moves. Customers describe efficient, friendly crews who communicate well on both ends; the office staff earns marks for coordination throughout the process. Negative feedback (9%) concentrates on damage claims and occasional delivery window slippage — not unusual, but worth verifying directly. For a nearly 2,000-mile move, this is the strongest overall profile in the group.
Company info: State license #0137029 | DOT #125563 | 43 years in business | Also operates as: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East Inc., VIP Transport – United Van Lines
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing and unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; cash and credit cards accepted.
Golden West Moving Systems, Inc.
5455 24th St, Riverside, CA 92509 | (800) 548-2400
- Yelp reviews: 4.3/5 (12 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.3/5 (7 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
- Positive reviews: 88% | Negative reviews: 13%
Golden West has 61 years in business and consistently positive reviews — customers highlight careful handling, accurate estimates, and crews that manage complex or long-haul moves without drama. One caveat: the review volume is thin, under 20 combined across Yelp and Google. That 88% positive figure is encouraging but not statistically deep. The 13% negative feedback covers employee conduct and property damage. Worth requesting references for moves of similar distance before committing.
Company info: State license #0190351 | DOT #70719 | 61 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing and unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes; DOD certified; cash and credit cards accepted; deposit required.
Inland Empire Movers
665 Center St #2, Riverside, CA 92507 | (909) 922-0000
- Yelp reviews: 4.3/5 (546 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.3/5 (579 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
The thing that stands out here is volume — over 1,100 combined Yelp and Google reviews. That's a lot more signal than a company with 19 reviews and a similar rating. Inland Empire has been operating 16 years and handles interstate moves, which puts them in play for a San Bernardino-to-Illinois haul. They don't offer international moves or fragile-only packing, so if you have delicate specialty items, check that your needs are covered.
Company info: DOT #1778475 | 16 years in business | Also operates as: Local Moving Services, Inc.
Services: Local and interstate moves; packing and unpacking; offices; pianos; art; antiques; grandfather clocks; crating; storage; cash and credit cards accepted.
Local moving services in San Bernardino, CA
Here's a quick look at specialty services available among San Bernardino movers I track:
| Service | Movers offering it | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 31 | 91% |
| Small moves | 13 | 38% |
| Antiques | 20 | 59% |
| Art | 22 | 65% |
| Pianos | 29 | 85% |
| Fragile-only packing | 16 | 47% |
Piano and art coverage is solid. Fragile-only packing is available from fewer than half the movers, so if that's a priority, confirm it when you're requesting quotes.
Cost to move from San Bernardino, CA to Illinois
Use our moving cost calculator to sharpen these numbers for your specific inventory and situation. The table below covers typical price ranges based on a 1,913-mile move.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,221 – $4,765 | $1,095 – $2,679 | $1,045 – $2,033 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,218 – $7,121 | $2,007 – $3,962 | $1,085 – $2,443 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,737 – $10,411 | $2,720 – $5,125 | $1,398 – $2,814 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Final charges vary based on inventory, access, timing, and add-ons. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to hire movers from San Bernardino to Illinois
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service moving companies on this route typically run $1,221 to $4,765. A two- or three-bedroom household lands in the $3,218–$7,121 range. Large homes — four-plus bedrooms — run $5,737 to $10,411.
That's a wide spread, and it's partly about who you hire. Budget long-distance movers and major van lines don't price the same job similarly. The low end of that range is achievable; so is the top. Get at least three quotes.
Cost of moving containers from San Bernardino to Illinois
Moving containers give you a middle path — you load at your pace, they drive cross-country. For a small load, expect $1,095–$2,679. Two- to three-bedroom households typically run $2,007–$3,962. Four-plus bedrooms can reach $2,720–$5,125.
On a route this long, the flexibility in loading timelines is a genuine advantage over full-service scheduling.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Bernardino to Illinois
A rental truck is your cheapest option if you're willing to handle the packing, loading, and roughly two days of driving across the desert and Midwest. Studio to one-bedroom moves run $1,045–$2,033 with fuel factored in. Two to three bedrooms: $1,085–$2,443. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,398–$2,814.
Know what you're getting into before you book. Nearly 2,000 miles of driving solo with a loaded truck is a real commitment — not just in money saved.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Bernardino to IL
Three things move your quote in meaningful ways:
- Move size: More inventory means more truck space and more labor. Both cost more.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. If you have any flexibility, fall and winter moves regularly price out better.
- DIY vs. professional movers: The savings on a truck rental are real, but so is the physical demand and damage risk on a haul this long. For most multi-bedroom households, professional movers make financial and practical sense.
What you should know before moving from San Bernardino to IL
California is expensive by almost any measure, and San Bernardino's numbers sit above the national average across housing, taxes, and cost of living. Moving to Illinois typically brings a real step down in day-to-day costs — one of the larger financial shifts you'll notice in this type of move.
Here's how the numbers compare.
Compare cost of living: San Bernardino vs. Illinois
| San Bernardino, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,950 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $481,419 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $55,372 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 119 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
San Bernardino sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few numbers worth sitting with:
- Rent in Illinois runs about 40% cheaper than in San Bernardino. That's a real difference in monthly cash flow.
- Home prices are roughly 48% lower — meaningful if buying is part of the plan.
- Per capita income in Illinois is about 42% higher than in San Bernardino, so you're likely looking at both lower costs and better earnings.
- The overall cost of living index is about 24% lower in Illinois.
- Unemployment in Illinois is roughly half of San Bernardino's 10.6% rate — a stronger job market by most measures.
- State income tax drops from California's 13.3% to Illinois' flat 4.95%. That's one of the more immediate financial changes you'll feel.
How life is different in San Bernardino, CA from Illinois
The financial picture is compelling, but the lifestyle shift is just as significant.
| San Bernardino, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,101 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8–48.3 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 95°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 42°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 73.87 | 19.7 |
San Bernardino sources: US Census Bureau, 270ToWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Illinois sources: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
What that actually means in practice:
- Both areas voted Democratic in the last presidential election.
- Summers are noticeably cooler in Illinois — 86°F versus San Bernardino's 95°F. If you've been dealing with inland SoCal heat, that's a welcome difference.
- Winters are a genuine adjustment. Illinois drops to 17°F in winter; San Bernardino bottoms out around 42°F. Budget for heating costs and winter gear before you move.
- Rain: Illinois gets 40 inches annually versus San Bernardino's 13. A step change in weather — plan accordingly.
- Snow: About 22 inches per year in Illinois, none in San Bernardino. Snow is real, and so are the costs and maintenance that come with it.
- Crime: Illinois' crime index of 19.7 compared to San Bernardino's 73.87 is one of the more striking differences in this comparison. For a lot of people, that number alone is a significant factor.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
A few practical details that are easy to overlook until they become day-of problems:
- HOA rules: Check your new neighborhood's guidelines before your move date. Some associations restrict moving hours or require prior notice.
- Elevator reservation: If you're moving into a multi-story building, reserve the freight elevator in advance. Most buildings require it and don't guarantee availability without a booking.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Check with the local municipality before your move day.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. In-state and local movers must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity — verify any company you hire has a current one before signing.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking rules vary by city. Check ahead.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before the move, with your official move date selected so mail forwards correctly.
- Moving insurance: Every licensed mover must offer Released Value Protection at no charge — that's 60 cents per pound per item. It's minimal coverage. For anything valuable, ask about full-value protection or look at third-party moving insurance before your move date.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track logistics from utility transfers to vehicle registration changes.
Things to do in Illinois
Once you're settled in, Illinois has more to offer than most people outside the Midwest expect.
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports teams
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from San Bernardino to Illinois take?
Plan for five to 16 days with a full-service mover, depending on the company and time of year. Summer moves tend to land on the longer end. Before you book, ask for an estimated delivery window in writing — not every mover volunteers that information upfront.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in San Bernardino?
I track 27 San Bernardino movers that offer custom crating for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that the materials and dimensions match your specific items rather than assuming a standard crate will work.
What is the best way to get a car from San Bernardino to Illinois?
Shipping a car on a 1,900-mile route is worth considering seriously, especially if you're flying out ahead of the truck. Our car shipping guide covers the top auto transport companies that handle California-to-Illinois routes and what to look for when comparing quotes.
Why are people moving from San Bernardino to Illinois?
The financial case is straightforward — lower taxes, cheaper housing, higher average incomes, and a significantly lower overall cost of living. Chicago's job market draws people in finance, tech, and healthcare. And San Bernardino's crime numbers are a real factor for households that have the option to leave.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Bernardino?
The five companies above are a solid starting point. For a broader look at what's available for interstate moves out of the area, see our best long-distance movers guide.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in San Bernardino, CA?
Ten movers in San Bernardino accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Most companies prefer traceable payment and will require a deposit upfront to hold your date. The remaining balance is typically due at pickup or on delivery — confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before your move date.
Compare quotes from multiple movers before booking anything on this route. Use the moving cost calculator to benchmark pricing before your first call.