Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles: what it costs in 2026
Chicago, IL → Los Angeles, CA is about 2091 road miles.
Estimates below use published 2026 industry rates — no phone number required.
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Planning estimate — get 3 binding written quotes; see the scam checklist below.
2026 cost table for this route
Home size
Professional (range)
DIY truck rental
Studio
$1,850 – $3,350
$1,100
1 bedroom
$2,400 – $4,350
$1,450
2 bedrooms
$4,200 – $7,550
$2,600
3 bedrooms
$6,000 – $10,800
$3,750
4 bedrooms
$7,800 – $14,100
$4,900
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Los Angeles?
About 2091 road miles. A professional 2-bedroom move runs roughly $4,200–$7,550 in 2026; DIY with a rental truck about $2,600 plus your time. Larger homes scale up per the table on this page.
How long will the move take?
Driving time is ~5–6 days. Professional carriers usually quote a delivery window of 3–10 days for this distance, since loads are often consolidated.
When is it cheapest to move?
October–April, on a weekday, mid-month. Peak season (May–September) and month-end weekends run 15–25% higher. 2026 note: industry pricing is up ~21% year-over-year on fuel, steepest on the West Coast.
How do I avoid moving scams?
Get at least 3 written binding (or binding-not-to-exceed) estimates after a video or in-home survey — never a phone-only quote. Verify the carrier's USDOT number on the FMCSA website, and be wary of large deposits: reputable movers charge most of the fee on delivery.
Methodology & sources
Distance: straight-line between city centers × 1.2 road factor ≈ 2091 miles (actual routes vary).
Rate anchors from published 2026 moving-industry pricing (Angi, ConsumerAffairs, moveBuddha and carrier guides): long-distance professional moves ≈ $1.15 per bedroom-mile (±30%) plus base costs; DIY truck rental ≈ $0.55 per bedroom-mile; long-distance loads also quoted at $0.50–0.80/lb. 2026 note: industry pricing rose ~21% year-over-year on fuel costs, steepest on the West Coast.
DIY figure covers truck rental, fuel and basic equipment — not lodging, packing materials or your labor.