How Much Do California to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 2,088 miles from California to Illinois will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Illinois

ConsCalifornia

• Sky-high housing costs
• High income taxes
• Wildfire smoke season
• Severe droughts
• Earthquake risk
• Long car commutes
• Expensive gasoline
• Costly electricity
• Crowded popular parks
• High business costs
• Strict building codes
• Smoggy air days

ProsIllinois

• Lower home prices
• Lower flat tax
• Minimal wildfire risk
• Abundant freshwater
• Fewer earthquakes
• Shorter commutes
• Cheaper fuel
• Lower utility rates
• Less crowded parks
• Lower operating costs
• Simpler permitting
• Cleaner air

---

Illinois

• Harsh winter cold
• No ocean access
• Flat terrain
• Shorter outdoor season
• Less dramatic scenery
• Smaller tech scene
• Fewer industry jobs
• Shorter growing season
• Limited outside Chicago
• Less venture capital
• Fewer nearby parks

California

• Mild winter climate
• Ocean beaches
• Mountain day trips
• Year-round outdoor
• Scenic coastal drives
• Robust tech ecosystem
• Top entertainment industry
• Extensive produce variety
• High transit coverage
• Major VC access
• Iconic national parks

Pros of moving from California to Illinois

• Say goodbye to sky-high housing costs and hello to lower home prices
• Look forward to moving away from high income taxes and moving to Illinois with a lower flat tax
• Swap the wildfire smoke season of California for minimal wildfire risk in Illinois
• Get ready for abundant freshwater in Illinois

Cons of moving from California to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a mild winter climate in California to live with harsh winter cold in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean beaches and have to settle for the con of no ocean access
• Time to bid farewell to mountain day trips and get used to flat terrain in Illinois
• Swap year-round outdoor activities for a shorter outdoor season

California vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Deep-dish pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip barbecue and sumptuous Tacos, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwiches and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan hot wings of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, In-N-Out Burger, and Chez Panisse. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Illinois shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Illinois.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Illinois