Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles: Guide, Costs & Tips
Alright, let's talk about a big one. Trading deep-dish pizza for tacos, the "L" train for the 405, and those bone-chilling winters for endless sunshine. Tackling a move from Chicago to Los Angeles requires more than just a standard apartment moving checklist; it’s a full-blown life overhaul that’s both incredibly exciting and, let’s be honest, a little bit terrifying.
How much will my move cost?
Let us help match you
Thank you!
Your movers will contact you shortly.

Written by: National Movers Team
NationalMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Reviewed by: Sarah Mitchell
Meet Sarah Mitchell of National Movers: logistics pro, moving expert, and your go-to guide for stress-free tips, smart packing hacks, and honest advice.Read more
Last Update: 08/02/2025
My name is Sarah Mitchell, and I write for National Movers because I’ve been in your shoes – staring at a mountain of boxes and wondering if I’ve lost my mind.
After helping countless people navigate their relocations and making a cross-country haul myself (from Seattle to my current home here in Charlotte), I’ve learned that the secret to a successful move isn’t magic; it’s just solid planning and knowing what to expect.
- It’s a Big Change: Moving from Chicago to LA is a major lifestyle shift, trading four seasons and public transit for sunshine and car culture.
- Budget Accordingly: LA is significantly more expensive than Chicago. Plan for a higher cost of living, especially in housing.
- Plan, Plan, Plan: A cross-country move requires months of planning. Start early, declutter, and create a moving binder to stay organized.
- Vet Your Movers: Your choice of moving company is crucial. Get multiple in-home estimates, check credentials, and read reviews. Never go with a suspiciously low quote.
- Embrace the Adventure: This is more than just a move; it’s an opportunity for growth and a fresh start. Be prepared for the challenges, but get excited for the possibilities.
Best Overall Value Best Overall Value

- Nationwide availability
- Clear pricing, no hidden fees
- Premium door-to-door service
Need Help? Call Now
855-930-4574- Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service

- Reliable moving & Storage solutions
- Top-quality services, trained staff
- Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff
Think of me as your friend who’s done this before and is here to give you the real scoop, from the nitty-gritty logistics to the emotional rollercoaster of it all. So, grab a coffee, and let’s figure out how to get you from the Windy City to the City of Angels without losing your sanity.
Why Consider Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles?
I get it. Chicago is an incredible city. The architecture, the food scene, the distinct, vibrant neighborhoods – it has a grit and a heart that’s hard to leave. But sometimes, life calls for a change of scenery, and swapping the shores of Lake Michigan for the Pacific coast is about as big a change as you can get.

So, why are so many people making the move from Chicago to Los Angeles? It often boils down to a few key things: opportunity, lifestyle, and weather. The sun is a powerful motivator, y’all.
Benefits of Living in Los Angeles
When you picture Los Angeles, you probably think of Hollywood, beaches, and celebrities. And sure, that’s part of it. But living there is so much more.
- Unbeatable Weather: This is the most obvious perk. Say goodbye to scraping ice off your car in February. LA offers a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. That year-round sunshine does wonders for your mood and opens up a world of outdoor activities you just can’t do year-round in the Midwest.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: While Chicago has a robust and diverse economy, LA is the undisputed global capital of the entertainment industry. Beyond film and television, it’s a massive hub for tech (Silicon Beach is a real thing), fashion, digital media, and wellness. If you work in a creative or tech-focused field, the opportunities in LA are often unparalleled.
- A Sprawling Cultural Mosaic: LA is one of the most diverse cities on the planet. This translates into an incredible tapestry of food, music, art, and traditions. You can spend one weekend exploring the flavors of Koreatown and the next hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a city where you’re constantly discovering something new because it’s not just one city – it’s a collection of dozens of unique communities, each with its own vibe.
- Access to Nature: While you’re trading a Great Lake for an ocean, LA’s natural landscape is staggering. You’ve got beautiful beaches like Malibu and Santa Monica, stunning hiking trails in places like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, and you’re just a few hours’ drive from mountains, deserts, and national parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite.
Planning a move? Find the perfect mover to match your needs and make your relocation stress-free!
932-465-6888Comparing Chicago and Los Angeles
Let’s put these two heavyweights side-by-side. They’re both world-class American cities, but they offer fundamentally different ways of life.
Feature | Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA |
Cost of Living | More affordable, especially for housing. | Significantly higher, particularly for rent and home prices. |
Weather | Four distinct seasons, with hot summers and harsh, snowy winters. | Mild, Mediterranean climate with 284 sunny days per year. |
Transportation | Excellent public transit system (the "L"), very walkable downtown. | Car-dependent, with infamous traffic. Public transit is improving but not comprehensive. |
Job Market | Strong in finance, consulting, logistics, and manufacturing. | Dominant in entertainment, tech, fashion, and international trade. |
Lifestyle | Fast-paced but with a friendly, Midwestern vibe. Strong neighborhood culture. | More laid-back but also hustle-oriented. Lifestyle is often centered around wellness and outdoors. |
Pace | Grounded, work-hard-play-hard ethos. | A mix of relaxed beach vibes and intense career ambition. |
Honestly, neither city is “better” – they’re just different. The choice depends entirely on what you’re looking for in your next chapter.
Benefits of Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles

Beyond the sunny weather and job prospects, making a major cross-country move like this changes you. I remember when I moved from Seattle to Charlotte; it felt like I was shedding an old skin. The act of uprooting your life and starting fresh is a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
You’re forced to be more resilient, more open to new experiences, and more intentional about building a community. You learn to navigate a new city, find your new favorite coffee shop, and make friends as an adult (which, let’s face it, is a skill in itself).
Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles isn’t just a change of address; it’s a chance to reinvent yourself, break out of your routine, and chase a dream, whatever that may be. It’s a bold move, and there’s a certain kind of magic in that.
7 Things to Know Before Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
- Before you start packing, let’s get real about what life in LA is actually like. It’s not all movie premieres and green juice. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before my first big move.
- The Traffic Is Not a Joke: You’ve heard the stories, but it’s hard to grasp until you’re in it. The 405 freeway at 5 PM is a special kind of purgatory. Your commute will likely define where you choose to live. People in LA think about distance in terms of time, not miles. A 10-mile drive can easily take an hour. My advice? Live as close to work as you possibly can, or find a job that allows for remote work.
- It’s a City of Neighborhoods: Los Angeles is HUGE. You don’t just “live in LA.” You live in Silver Lake, or Venice, or Pasadena, or the Valley. Each neighborhood has a distinct personality, cost of living, and lifestyle. Do your research before you even think about signing a lease. Spend a weekend, if you can, exploring different areas to find the one that feels like home to you.
- The Cost of Living Is a Shock: Get ready for some sticker shock, especially coming from Chicago. While the Windy City isn’t cheap, LA is on another level. Housing is the biggest expense, but everything from gas to groceries will cost more. You’ll need to budget carefully and be realistic about the kind of apartment and lifestyle your salary can afford.
- You Really, Really Need a Car: Chicago is a dream for public transit lovers. LA is… not. While the Metro system is expanding, the city was built around the automobile. A reliable car isn’t just a luxury; for most Angelenos, it’s a necessity for getting to work, running errands, and exploring all the amazing things the region has to offer.
- Embrace the “Hustle” Culture: People move to LA to make things happen. There’s an ambitious, creative energy that’s palpable. This can be incredibly inspiring, but it can also feel competitive. Networking isn’t just something you do at industry events; it happens at the dog park, in your yoga class, and waiting in line for coffee.
- “June Gloom” and “May Gray” Are Real: While LA is famous for its sunshine, don’t be surprised when the coast is socked in with a marine layer of clouds every morning in the late spring and early summer. The sun usually burns through by the afternoon, but it’s a quirky weather pattern that catches newcomers off guard.
- Earthquake Preparedness is a Thing: It sounds dramatic, but it’s a practical part of life in Southern California. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you should have an earthquake kit with water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and other essentials. It’s just like having a snow shovel and salt in Chicago – a basic precaution for the local environment.
Get matched with the best mover for your needs!
Thank you!
Your movers will contact you shortly.
How to Move from Chicago to Los Angeles
Okay, deep breath. A 2,000-mile move is a massive logistical puzzle. As a former logistics coordinator, this is where my brain starts buzzing. Playing Tetris with people’s lives was my jam. Let’s break this down into a manageable timeline.
- Declutter Mercilessly: This is my number one piece of advice. The cost of your move is largely based on the weight of your belongings. Do you really want to pay to haul that lumpy old armchair 2,000 miles? Go through every room, every closet, every drawer. Be ruthless. Sell, donate, or toss anything you don’t love or need. For large-scale clear-outs, professional junk removal services can be a huge time-saver.
- Create a Moving Binder (or a Digital Folder): This is your command center. Keep all your quotes, receipts, checklists, and important documents in one place. Trust me, it will save you from frantic searching later.
- Start Researching Movers: Now is the time to start looking for long-distance moving companies. Use a directory like ours at National Movers to find vetted, licensed professionals. Get at least three in-home or virtual estimates.
- Book Your Mover: Once you’ve compared your estimates and checked reviews, book your moving company. Get that confirmation in writing!
- Plan Your Own Travel: How are you getting to LA? Will you drive? Fly? If you’re driving, plan your route and book hotels. If you’re flying, buy your tickets.
- Start Packing Non-Essentials: You can begin packing things you won’t need for the next couple of months, like seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items. Label every box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. Pro tip: Number the boxes and keep an inventory list in your moving binder.
- The Packing Gets Real: Now you’re in the thick of it. Following a guide on how to pack for a move, work systematically, room by room. Pack an “Open First” box with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival: toilet paper, soap, a shower curtain, towels, a coffee maker (non-negotiable for me), basic tools, and snacks.
- Notify Everyone of Your Move: File your change of address with the USPS. Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, subscription services, and your employer.
- Arrange Utility Transfers: Schedule the disconnection of your utilities in Chicago (gas, electric, water, internet) for the day after you move out, and the connection of your new utilities in LA for the day before you arrive.
- Finish Packing and Clean: Everything should be packed except the bare essentials. As you empty rooms, give them a deep clean.
- Confirm with Your Movers: Call the moving company to confirm their arrival time and any last-minute details.
- Pack Your Suitcase: Pack clothes and toiletries for your trip and your first few days in LA, just in case there’s a delay with the moving truck.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
Every big decision in life has its upsides and downsides. Let’s lay them all out on the table.
Pros
- Amazing Weather & Outdoor Lifestyle
- World-Class Career Opportunities
- Incredible Cultural and Culinary Diversity
- Proximity to Beaches, Mountains, and Deserts
- A Chance for a Fresh Start and Personal Growth
Cons
- Extremely High Cost of Living
- Infamous Traffic & Car Dependency
- Competitive Job & Social Scene
- Distance from Midwest Family & Friends
- Natural Disasters (Earthquakes, Wildfires)
The cons list might look scary, but a lot of it comes down to perspective and preparation. Yes, the cost of living is high, but salaries in some industries can be higher to compensate. Yes, the traffic is terrible, but you learn to adapt by living close to work or working flexible hours. For many, the pros – especially the lifestyle and opportunities – far outweigh the challenges.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.
Alright, let’s talk money. This is usually the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. Moving over 2,000 miles is a significant expense, but the final bill can vary wildly. Learning about the cheapest way to move cross-country is a great first step.
Average Cost Overview
Based on my experience in the industry and current rates, here’s a general ballpark for moving the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home (around 7,500 lbs) from Chicago to Los Angeles:
- Full-Service Professional Movers: You can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $8,500+. This includes a team loading and unloading the truck, transportation, fuel, and basic liability coverage.
- Moving Container (e.g., PODS, U-Pack): This is a hybrid option where you pack and load the container yourself. The cost typically falls between $2,500 and $5,000.
- DIY Rental Truck (e.g., U-Haul, Penske): This is the cheapest option upfront, likely $1,500 to $3,000 for the truck rental alone. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of fuel (which will be substantial for 2,000 miles), insurance, food, and lodging for a multi-day drive. It’s a lot more work and can be physically exhausting. To compare these options with a personalized estimate, use our moving cost calculator.
Factors That Affect Cost
Why the huge range? Several things move the needle on your final quote:
- Weight/Volume of Your Stuff: This is the biggest factor. More stuff equals more money. This is why decluttering is so important!
- Time of Year: Moving during the peak season (May through September) is always more expensive. If you can move during the off-season (fall or winter), you can save a significant amount.
- Additional Services: Do you need the movers to pack for you? Unpack? Do you need storage for a few weeks? These services add to the cost.
- Insurance: Basic mover liability (Released Value Protection) is included but only covers 60 cents per pound per item. If your $1,000 TV weighing 20 pounds breaks, you’ll only get $12 back. I always recommend purchasing Full Value Protection for a cross-country move.
- Access Issues: Are you moving from or to a high-rise building with a tricky elevator? Are the streets narrow, requiring a smaller shuttle truck? These things can add fees.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Here’s the thing you absolutely have to remember: Never, ever accept a moving quote over the phone or via a simple online form without a detailed inventory. A reputable company will insist on doing a visual survey, either by sending an agent to your home or by having you do a virtual walkthrough on a video call.
This is the only way for them to accurately estimate the weight of your belongings and identify any potential challenges. A company that gives you a lowball, “too good to be true” quote without seeing your stuff is a major red flag. They’ll often hit you with surprise charges on moving day when it’s too late to back out. Get everything in writing in a detailed, binding estimate.
Hiring Movers and Handling Logistics
Best Overall Value Best Overall Value

- Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service

- Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff
Choosing the right long-distance mover is the most critical decision you’ll make. A good company can make your move smooth and stress-free, while a bad one can turn it into a nightmare.
When you’re vetting companies from the National Movers directory, here’s your checklist:
- Check Their Credentials: Make sure they have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number for interstate moves. You can look them up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to check their safety record and see if any complaints have been filed against them.
- Read Reviews (But with a Grain of Salt): Read reviews on multiple platforms. Look for patterns. A few bad reviews are normal for any business, but a consistent stream of complaints about lost items, hidden fees, or rude staff is a clear warning sign.
- Understand the Insurance: Ask them to explain the difference between Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. Understand the deductible and what the policy covers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions until you’re clear on it.
- Know Your Delivery Window: For a move from Chicago to Los Angeles, your belongings won’t arrive the next day. The truck will likely have other pickups and drop-offs along the way. You’ll be given a delivery window, which could be anywhere from 5 to 14 days. Be prepared for this and make sure you have your essentials to live on for a week or two.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
If you have flexibility, aim for the sweet spot: the shoulder seasons. September, October, April, and May are often ideal. The weather is pleasant in both cities, and moving rates are lower than in the summer.
Moving in the winter (November through February) can be the cheapest, but you run the risk of your move out of Chicago being delayed by a snowstorm. However, arriving in sunny, 70-degree LA in the middle of January while your friends back home are digging out from a blizzard? Well, that’s a pretty sweet reward.
Ultimately, the best time to move is when it’s right for you, your job, and your family. Just be sure to book movers well in advance if you have to move during the summer peak.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whew, that was a lot, I know. Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles is a huge undertaking, but it’s also an incredible adventure. With the right planning, it can be the start of an amazing new chapter.
The most important step is finding a team you can trust to get your life’s belongings there safely. At National Movers, we’ve already done the hard work of vetting hundreds of long-distance moving companies.
Explore All California Moving Routes
- Moving from Arizona to California
- Moving from Boston to San Francisco
- Moving from California to Florida
- Moving from California to New York
- Moving from California to North Carolina
- Moving from California to Tennessee
- Moving from California to Texas
- Moving from California to Washington
- Moving from Idaho to Los Angeles
- Moving from Los Angeles to New York
- Moving from Nevada to California
- Moving from New York to California
- Moving from Oregon to California
- Moving from San Francisco to New York
FAQs About Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to LA?
On average, hiring professional movers for a 2-3 bedroom home can cost between $4,000 and $8,500. The final price depends on the exact weight of your belongings, the time of year, and any extra services you choose, like packing.
Should I move to Chicago from Los Angeles?
This guide focuses on moving to LA, but the reverse is also a popular move! If you’re looking for a more affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, a vibrant downtown, and a true four-season experience, moving from LA to Chicago could be a fantastic choice. It really depends on your personal priorities.
Is moving to LA a good idea?
It can be a wonderful idea if you’re seeking career opportunities in specific industries (like entertainment or tech), crave a year-round outdoor lifestyle, and are prepared for the high cost of living and traffic. It’s a city of dreamers and doers, but it requires resilience and a solid financial plan.
How many days does it take to get from Chicago to Los Angeles?
If you’re driving, the trip is about 2,000 miles and typically takes 3-5 days, depending on your pace and how many stops you make. If you’re using professional movers, the delivery window for your belongings is usually between 5 and 14 days, as the truck may have other stops along the route.