Long Distance

Moving from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA

1855 miles · 38h 48m drive · Estimated cost $2,613–$4,113 for a 2-bedroom move

1855 miles

38h 48m drive

Cost Index: 1.02 → 1.42

Cost Estimate: Chicago to San Francisco

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$3,354

Range: $2,613 – $4,113

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$2,667

Range: $2,113 – $3,230

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$2,292

Range: $1,662 – $2,841

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Chicago to San Francisco move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Chicago, IL → San Francisco, CA · 1,855 miles

Low

$2,613

Estimated

$3,354

High

$4,113

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom long distance from Chicago to San Francisco.

Total$3,355

Labor(19.6%)

$577 – $742

Transportation(59.2%)

$1,555 – $2,416

Packing(15.4%)

$360 – $675

Insurance(3.8%)

$75 – $192

Tips(2.0%)

$46 – $89

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Chicago to San Francisco vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Chicago

Illinois

Destination

San Francisco

California

Cost of Living Index

102

142

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,850

$3,200

Average Rent (2BR)

$2,300

$4,100

State Income Tax

5.0%

13.3%

Avg High Temperature

59°F

64°F

You'll spend ~76% more on housing

Average rent in San Francisco is $3,650/mo vs $2,075/mo in Chicago

Top Neighborhoods

Chicago

Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Logan Square
Lakeview
Hyde Park

San Francisco

Mission District
Noe Valley
Hayes Valley
Marina
Sunset District

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 1855-mile move from Chicago to San Francisco.

Get a binding estimate

Long-distance moves from Chicago to San Francisco can have surprise costs. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate protects you from a ballooning bill.

Move in winter to save big

January and February rates are 15–30% lower than the summer peak. If your timeline is flexible, a winter move from pays for itself.

Ship your car separately

At 1855 miles, driving two vehicles is exhausting and expensive. Auto transport typically costs $800–$1,500 and eliminates wear on your car.

Inventory everything

Create a detailed, numbered inventory with photos before the movers arrive. This is essential for filing claims if anything goes missing or gets damaged.

Research your new city

Before arriving in San Francisco, research neighborhoods, school districts, and local utilities so you can hit the ground running.

Use a portable container

Companies like PODS or U-Pack let you pack on your schedule and can be more affordable than traditional long-distance movers.

Top Moving Companies for Chicago to San Francisco

These nationally recognized movers service the Chicago to San Francisco route. Compare their rates and read reviews before choosing.

United Van Lines

$$$

4.3

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationInternational

Extensive nationwide agent network for reliable coverage
Offers a comprehensive online tracking and shipment management system
Strong reputation with decades of industry experience

Get a Free Quote

Allied Van Lines

$$$

4.2

Long DistanceMilitaryCorporate Relocation

Wide range of service options including packing and unpacking
Transparent online quote process with detailed estimates
Strong military and government relocation program

Get a Free Quote

Mayflower

$$$

4.1

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationStorage

Offers flexible moving and storage bundles
Provides detailed shipment tracking throughout the move
Well-established claims process for damaged items

Get a Free Quote

North American Van Lines

$$$

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationGovernment

Assigned personal move coordinator for each customer
ProMover certified with strong safety track record

Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to San Francisco?

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA ranges from $2,613 to $4,113, with a typical cost around $3,354. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $2,292. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Chicago to San Francisco take?

The distance from Chicago to San Francisco is approximately 1855 miles. The estimated driving time is 38h 48m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 5–7 days to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Chicago to San Francisco?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 1855-mile move, hiring professional movers is usually worth the investment. The logistics of a long-distance move are complex, and the physical toll of driving a large truck hundreds of miles can be overwhelming. Compare your DIY cost of ~$2,292 vs. full-service at ~$3,354 to decide.

How far is Chicago from San Francisco?

Chicago, IL is approximately 1855 miles from San Francisco, CA. This is classified as a long distance and the drive takes roughly 38h 48m.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Chicago to San Francisco?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.