Best Chicago to San Diego Movers

How Much Do Chicago to San Diego Movers Cost?

Moving 2,125 miles from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA 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.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in San Diego that already have a booked job heading from San Diego to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to San Diego from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a San Diego moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to San Diego moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire San Diego movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to San Diego move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to San Diego movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to San Diego moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 43 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and San Diego areas.

From these 43 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,307 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 31 state and federal moving licenses from these 43 companies and 209 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 15,424 Chicago to San Diego moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to San Diego moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.52/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 19,254 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.16/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 7,275 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.59/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 4,268 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.63/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 7,439 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.36/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 3,635 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.74/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 10,225 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.07/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 9,461 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.26/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 18,376 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.48/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 10,688 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.30/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 2,386 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.17/10 avg (Chicago & San Diego combined) from 9,840 reviews

From Chicago to San Diego: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & La Jolla in San Diego are both known for their upscale ocean views & parks
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & San Diego's Pacific Beach both share waterfront activities & nightlife
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out North Park in the San Diego area for the artsy scene & craft breweries
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's diverse community & lively bars? You're sure to love Hillcrest
• Move from Bucktown to Little Italy and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: boutique shops & artisanal eateries
• River North & Gaslamp Quarter are both known for their downtown nightlife & loft living
• Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood & San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood both have luxury homes & coastal cliffs
• If you're moving from Pilsen, look into Barrio Logan for the street art & Latino culture
• Do you cherish living in West Loop's gourmet food halls & trendy restaurants? Move into Little Italy for something similar
• The similar vibes of Hyde Park & University City are both known for their academic environment & local cafes

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to San Diego

ConsChicago, IL

• Cold winters
• Higher crime rate
• State income tax
• Less sun

ProsSan Diego, CA

• Mild winters
• Lower crime rate
• No state income tax
• More sunshine

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San Diego, CA

• Higher living costs
• Smaller city
• Dependence on cars
• Less historic charm

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant culture
• Diverse food scene
• Excellent public transit
• Rich history

Pros of moving from Chicago to San Diego

• Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher crime rate and moving to San Diego with a lower crime rate
• Swap the state income tax of Chicago for no state income tax in San Diego
• Get ready for more sunshine in San Diego

Cons of moving from Chicago to San Diego

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant culture in Chicago to live with higher living costs in San Diego
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse food scene and have to settle with the con of a smaller city
• Time to bid farewell to excellent public transit and get used to dependence on cars in San Diego
• Swap rich history for less historic charm

Chicago vs. San Diego: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to San Diego, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of San Diego. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog, San Diego residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and California Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of San Diego. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Aurelio's Pizza, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in San Diego, don't wait too long before making your way to San Diego's acclaimed eateries like Hodad's, Juniper & Ivy, and Phil's BBQ.

When comparing lifestyles, San Diego shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in San Diego compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in San Diego.

Discover San Diego Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to San Diego is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Au Cheval, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we’re sure you’ll love Addison, Hodad's, and Juniper & Ivy in San Diego. See our San Diego restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, head to Bronx Pizza on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and San Diego

• The Chicago School and Greystones architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival and Modern architecture typical of San Diego.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transport, San Diego real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and outdoor living spaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as San Diego is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as San Diego is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• San Diego has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• San Diego housing costs are 252% more expensive than they are in Chicago with a median home price of $1,021,655 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in San Diego have increased by 57% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in San Diego is 41.11% more expensive than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach : You'll love the dog-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated dog beach where your furry friend can splash and play off-leash.
2. North Park : This hip neighborhood offers many pet-welcoming cafes and parks, making it easy for you to enjoy outings with your pets.
3. Hillcrest : Known for its inclusive culture, you'll find numerous pet-friendly restaurants and bars, along with a welcoming community for your pets.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and San Diego

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to San Diego. San Diego gets 41% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• San Diego has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in San Diego.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in San Diego is 8 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 31 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in San Diego. San Diego receives 26 fewer inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and San Diego

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in San Diego tend to earn about 40% more than in Chicago
• The COLI in San Diego is 13% higher than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in CA is up to 13.3% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in San Diego is high compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is low in San Diego compared to moderate poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and notable in San Diego

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. San Diego

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• San Diego, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• San Diego's religious environment can be described as diverse, with notable Catholic, Protestant, and increasing Non-religious segments
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with large Catholic and Protestant communities

Chicago vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 26% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in San Diego compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 4,680 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in San Diego to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in San Diego.