Cost to Move from Chicago to Los Angeles
The average cost to move from Chicago to Los Angeles (2015 miles) in 2026 is $3,800–$6,200 for a 2-bedroom home with professional movers. DIY truck rental costs $1,900–$3,200. The best months to move for lowest prices are October through February.
Moving Cost (Chicago to LA) = (Shipment Weight x Rate) + Packing + Insurance + Fuel Surcharge
Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles is one of the most popular relocation routes in the United States. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, this guide provides accurate 2026 cost estimates for every budget and home size. We compare professional full-service movers, DIY truck rental, and portable container options so you can choose the best value for your 2015-mile move.
All costs below are based on real pricing data from FMCSA-registered carriers and major truck rental companies, updated for 2026 rates.
What This Means
Your estimated cost is based on the 2015-mile distance between Chicago and Los Angeles. Actual costs may vary by 10–15% based on exact weight, access conditions, and seasonal demand. We recommend getting at least three binding estimates from FMCSA-registered movers.
Recommended Moving Supplies
Editor's picks to make your move easier and more affordable
Medium Moving Boxes (20-Pack)
Sturdy 18x14x12" corrugated boxes. Ideal for kitchenware, books, and general household items.
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Heavy-duty 20x20x15" boxes for bedding, lampshades, and bulky lightweight items.
Check Price on AmazonScotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape (6-Pack)
Industrial-strength tape with dispenser. Seals boxes securely for long-distance moves.
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Heavy-duty 80x72" padded blankets. Protect furniture, appliances, and floors during moves.
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Shoulder harness system lets 2 people carry heavy items up to 800 lbs safely.
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Complete guide to planning a cross-country move. Checklists, budgets, and expert tips.
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Moving Costs from Chicago to Los Angeles by Home Size
Here are the average costs for moving from Chicago to Los Angeles (2015 miles) in 2026 with professional full-service movers:
| Home Size | Professional Movers | DIY Truck Rental | You Save (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,400–$3,800 | $1,100–$1,900 | 40–55% |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,800–$4,500 | $1,300–$2,300 | 40–55% |
| 2-Bedroom | $3,800–$6,200 | $1,900–$3,200 | 40–55% |
| 3-Bedroom | $5,400–$9,200 | $2,600–$4,600 | 40–55% |
| 4-Bedroom | $7,500–$12,000 | $3,600–$6,000 | 40–55% |
These estimates include loading, transportation, unloading, and basic Released Value Protection insurance. Packing services, Full Value Protection insurance, and specialty item handling are additional.
Cost Breakdown: Chicago to LA Move
Here’s a detailed breakdown of where your money goes when moving from Chicago to Los Angeles:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (3BR) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (loading + unloading) | $1,200–$2,500 | 25–30% |
| Transportation (2015 mi) | $2,000–$4,000 | 35–45% |
| Packing materials | $200–$500 | 5–7% |
| Fuel surcharge (6–10%) | $300–$600 | 5–8% |
| Insurance (Full Value) | $300–$800 | 5–10% |
| Accessorial fees | $100–$400 | 2–5% |
Save on packing supplies by ordering in advance from Amazon: moving boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets.
Best Time to Move from Chicago to Los Angeles
The cheapest months to move from Chicago to Los Angeles are October through February. Here’s how seasonal pricing affects your move:
| Season | Price Impact | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (June–August) | +25–30% above base rate | Book 6–8 weeks ahead |
| Shoulder (May, September) | +10–15% above base rate | Book 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Off-Peak (October–April) | Base rate (lowest) | Book 2–4 weeks ahead |
Moving mid-month on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday saves an additional 5–10% compared to end-of-month weekends.
Tips for Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles
Historic Route 66 follows much of the I-40 path. Winter moves should avoid I-80 through Wyoming due to snow closures. The I-40 through Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona is the safest winter route.
Toll costs: Illinois Tollway $5–$15; minimal tolls rest of the route.
Additional tips for this route:
- Get at least 3 binding estimates from FMCSA-registered movers
- Ask about dedicated vs. consolidated truck service (dedicated is faster but 30–50% more)
- Purchase Full Value Protection insurance for cross-state moves
- Ship heavy books via USPS Media Mail ($4–$8/box) to reduce shipment weight
- Consider a portable container (PODS, U-Pack) for 20–40% savings over full-service movers
DIY Move: Chicago to LA
A DIY move from Chicago to Los Angeles can save 40–55% compared to hiring professional movers. Here’s what to budget:
| Item | Cost (3BR) |
|---|---|
| Truck rental (26-ft, one-way) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Gas (2015 mi) | $906–$1209 |
| Packing supplies | $200–$400 |
| Loading/unloading help | $200–$500 |
| Hotels (if multi-day) | $0–$300 |
| Food on the road | $50–$150 |
| Tolls | $0–$100 |
Compare truck rental prices from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget. Prices vary significantly by direction and season.
Expert Notes for This Route
Chicago to Los Angeles is a 2,015-mile mid-distance van line favorite, and most of the volume runs on I-55 / I-44 through St. Louis, Tulsa, and Amarillo before joining the I-40 Southern corridor across New Mexico and Arizona. The route avoids most of the Rocky Mountains, which keeps winter schedules more predictable than the I-80 northern alternative. Carriers heavily represented on this lane include North American Van Lines, Atlas, Allied, and Wheaton, plus container haulers like U-Pack/ABF and PODS. Chicago crews typically charge a higher origin labor rate than comparable Midwest cities because of urban access fees, alley-loading limits, and parking permits in River North, the Loop, and Lakeview. The Midwest peak season runs late May through early August (school calendar). Inbound LA yards like Carson and Mira Loma absorb most of the consolidated freight, so transit times of 8–12 days are typical. Diesel for a 26-foot truck on this route averages ~200 gallons, and tolls through Indiana, Illinois, and Oklahoma add roughly $40–70. Cargo insurance valuation should default to Full Value Protection on this corridor because long-haul consolidated freight has measurably higher claim rates than short-haul moves (per AMSA reporting).
Last reviewed 2026-05-05 by Mustafa Bilgic.
Data Sources & Citations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The average cost to move from Chicago to Los Angeles (2015 miles) in 2026 is $3,800–$6,200 for a 2-bedroom home with professional movers. A 3-bedroom costs $5,400–$9,200. DIY truck rental costs $1,900–$3,200 for a 2-bedroom. Costs depend on home size, time of year, and services selected.
How long does it take to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Professional movers take 7–10 days for transit from Chicago to Los Angeles. Driving yourself takes approximately 29 hours of actual drive time. Plan to be without your belongings for 2–3 weeks with professional movers.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The cheapest way is a DIY truck rental at $1,900–$3,200 for a 2-bedroom (vs. $3,800–$6,200 with movers). Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) offer a middle ground at about 20–40% less than full-service movers. The best time for lowest prices is October through February.
Should I hire movers or drive myself from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Hire movers if you have a large household, need insurance coverage, or can’t take time off for a 29 hours drive. Drive yourself if you’re budget-conscious and physically able to load/unload. A hybrid option saves 30–50%. For 2015 miles, the savings from DIY are significant: $2,600–$4,600 vs. $5,400–$9,200 for a 3-bedroom.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The cheapest time is October through February, when rates are 20–30% lower than peak summer prices. Within any month, mid-month weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are cheapest. Avoid the last and first days of the month and any weekend in June, July, or August.
What should I know about moving from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Historic Route 66 follows much of the I-40 path. Winter moves should avoid I-80 through Wyoming due to snow closures. The I-40 through Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona is the safest winter route. Use our moving cost calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific home size and services needed.