Best Chicago to Fresno Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Fresno and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,149 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Chicago to Fresno moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Fresno. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Chicago to Fresno Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
3A1 Movers, Inc9.349.57Authorized For HHG
4All In A Day Moving Services8.778.7Authorized For Property, HHG
5Pete's Moving Services LLC8.438.56Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Chicago to Fresno?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,149 miles from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA will cost on average $3,609 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Fresno move is roughly $8,711. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,421300 ft³$8.07
1 Bedroom$3,609450 ft³$8.02
2 Bedrooms$5,977750 ft³$7.97
3 Bedrooms$8,7111100 ft³$7.92
4 Bedrooms$12,5911600 ft³$7.87
5+ Bedrooms$14,0751800 ft³$7.82
*Please note: These Illinois to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fresno to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Fresno Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 683+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
All In A Day Moving Services Logo

All In A Day Moving Services

Superb
claimed company icon
8.77/10
based on 815+ data points

1022 W 18th St #4

Merced, CA, 85340

About All In A Day Moving Services

All In A Day Moving Services promises to give you the smoothest and most stress-free moving experience. It’s a local moving...

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving
  • Piano moving
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3861667 / 1410881

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Pete's Moving Services LLC Logo

Pete's Moving Services LLC

Fabulous8.43/10
based on 2,336+ data points

4807 Greenleaf Ct suite a

Modesto, CA, 95356

About Pete's Moving Services LLC

Founded in 2017, Pete's Moving Services LLC is a comprehensive door-to-door moving company specializing in residential, office, and commercial relocations in...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3314910 / 1177987

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2020)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Chicago vs. Fresno Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can feel like stepping into a different world, but comparing familiar neighborhoods from your current city to those in your new city can ease the transition. In this guide, we explore a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Fresno, CA to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

ChicagoFresnoHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkWoodward ParkLush green spaces, family-friendly
Wicker ParkTower DistrictArtsy with vibrant nightlife
The LoopDowntown FresnoUrban core, cultural attractions
Gold CoastFig GardenUpscale, historic
LakeviewNortheast FresnoResidential, close to nature
Logan SquareSunnysideDiverse, community-focused
River NorthNorth FresnoTrendy, dining options
West LoopOld Fig GardenUnique food scene, charming
AndersonvilleClovisClose-knit community, local shops
PilsenTower District (again)Cultural diversity, art scene

Each neighborhood has its unique charm and attractions that make it special. For example, if you've enjoyed the lush landscapes and community vibe of Lincoln Park, you'll find a similar experience in Woodward Park, known for its extensive parklands and family-friendly atmosphere. Wicker Park's counterpart, the Tower District, offers a similarly vibrant arts scene and bustling nightlife, with landmarks such as the historic Tower Theatre anchoring the area. On the other hand, those drawn to the upscale and historic allure of Gold Coast might appreciate Fig Garden's refined charm, with its array of boutiques and elegant dining options nestled within a serene, tree-lined setting. These comparisons not only illustrate the physical similarities between neighborhoods but also hint at the kind of lifestyle and community you can expect to find in your new home city.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Fresno

Moving from one city to another is always a mix of excitement and concern. This side-by-side comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA . By looking at the pros and cons, you'll gain a clearer picture of what to expect and how your lifestyle might change for the better or worse.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Higher crime rates
Fresno, CA iconFresno, CA
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable
  • Less congestion
  • Lower crime rates
Fresno, CA iconFresno, CA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Car-dependent
  • Fewer job sectors
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Extensive public transit
  • Greater job opportunities

While Chicago's harsh winters and dense traffic may push you towards Fresno's milder climate and smoother commutes, consider what you're leaving behind. Chicago's lively neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Park offer an unbeatable mix of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues such as the Art Institute of Chicago (Artic). In contrast, Fresno boasts a more laid-back lifestyle with its own attractions like the beautiful Woodward Park and the unique Forestiere Underground Gardens (Underground Gardens). The move from a bustling cityscape to a quieter, more affordable setting in Fresno can be a positive change, but it's also a shift to a slower-paced, less diverse job market and cultural scene.

Chicago vs. Fresno Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Fresno is designed to enlighten you about the distinct food scenes awaiting in your new city. Understanding the culinary culture is pivotal to experiencing the essence of where you’re relocating to.

Chicago
Fresno
Most iconic local food item
Deep-dish pizza
Tri-tip steak
Most popular meat dish
Italian beef sandwich
Chicken shawarma
Most popular street food item
Chicago-style hot dog
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Seitan wings
Tempeh tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza, a revered local delicacy, is best experienced in neighborhoods like The Loop, where establishments such as Lou Malnati's offer a taste of this iconic dish. The Italian beef sandwich and Chicago-style hot dog further symbolize the city's rich culinary tradition, found in places like Portillo's. Meanwhile, Fresno introduces you to a different palate with its tri-tip steak, a regional specialty that’s a must-try for any newcomer. The city's taco scene, highlighted by a variety of food trucks and local eateries, reflects Fresno's vibrant street food culture, with places like The Bulldog Grill serving as prime spots for tasting the local flavors.

Chicago vs. Fresno Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite spot to dine can make a new city feel like home. This comparison of top Chicago restaurants to their Fresno counterparts is designed to ease your transition by identifying where you can enjoy similar culinary delights in your new hometown.

ChicagoFresnoWhat You'll Love
AlineaThe Lime LiteInnovative American cuisine in an upscale setting.
Giordano’sMe-n-Ed's Brick Oven Baked PizzeriaFamous for deep-dish pizzas.
Girl & The GoatThe Annex KitchenItalian-inspired eatery with a creative twist.
The Purple PigCracked Pepper BistroA fusion of flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
Portillo’sDog House GrillRenowned for its roadside-style sandwiches and BBQ.
Joe's SeafoodPismo's Coastal GrillFresh seafood selections in a casual setting.
PublicanThe StandardLocal and organic ingredients used in a lively venue.
Smoque BBQWestwoods BBQ & Spice Co.A go-to for smoked meats and southern sides.
The BerghoffThe Elbow RoomA place with history offering German-inspired dishes.
RPM ItalianOggi Cosi Si MangiaAuthentic Italian cuisine with a modern flair.

As you settle into Fresno, you'll discover places like The Lime Lite, which offers an upscale dining experience akin to Chicago's Alinea, though with its own unique California twist on American cuisine. For those who cherished the deep-dish pizzas at Giordano’s, Me-n-Ed's Pizzeria will become your new go-to with its authentic, brick-oven-baked pizzas. Lovers of creative, upscale dining like that found at Girl & The Goat in Chicago will find solace in The Annex Kitchen in Fresno, which brings Italian inspiration to its dishes, crafted with a hint of Californian flair. These transitions show how even when moving states, you don't have to leave behind the flavors you love—you just need to know where to find them.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Fresno Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA, evaluating the real estate landscape is crucial. Understanding differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle ratings can help you make an informed decision. Let's delve into how these cities compare in essential real estate aspects.

Chicago
Fresno
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Historical Mix
Spanish and Ranch Style
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Lake views, hardwood floors
Large yards, swimming pools

While housing costs in Chicago and Fresno reflect the varying market demands, each city offers unique appeals in lifestyle and architecture. Chicago's blend of modern and historical architecture is captivating for those who admire urban diversity, while Fresno's predilection for Spanish and Ranch style homes suits those seeking a more suburban feel. Notably, Chicago's higher urban lifestyle score contrasts with Fresno's emphasis on spacious yards and pools, indicative of the different living environments each city provides. Whether your preference leans towards the bustling streets of Chicago or Fresno's relaxed pace, these cities cater to a broad spectrum of homeowners and renters alike.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Fresno, CA

1. Tower District : You'll enjoy walking your pet around the lively streets, with pet-friendly cafes and parks scattered throughout the area.

2. Woodward Park : This area is perfect for pet owners, featuring expansive parks and trails, including the scenic Woodward Regional Park where you and your furry friend can roam freely.

3. Clovis : Just a short drive from Fresno, Clovis offers numerous parks and a community-focused atmosphere ideal for pets and their owners.

Chicago vs. Fresno Weather Considerations

When moving from one city to another, understanding the weather differences can greatly aid your transition. This comparison between Chicago, IL, and Fresno, CA , highlights the key climatic variations to anticipate. By examining aspects such as average temperatures, humidity, sunshine days, and natural disaster tendencies , you'll be better prepared for what lies ahead in your new locale.

Chicago
Fresno
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Blizzards, Floods
Droughts, Earthquakes
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

84°F / 68°F
97°F / 74°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

36°F / 22°F
55°F / 38°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
11
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

36
0


Moving from Chicago to Fresno, you'll experience a significant decrease in humidity and an increase in sunshine days, which can impact daily living and health positively. Expect warmer summers and milder winters in Fresno, necessitating a change in your wardrobe and possibly your home's heating and cooling needs. The air quality and natural disaster risks also differ, with Fresno facing challenges such as droughts and higher UV index levels, requiring increased awareness and preventative measures for health and home safety.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Fresno

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and financial aspects in Chicago, IL stack up against those in Fresno, CA. This comparison aims to shed light on various money and finance-related factors that could influence your decision and budgeting for the move.

Chicago
Fresno
Avg. Household Income
$66,576
$61,250
Cost of Living Index
116.9
117.3
State Income Tax
4.95
1-13.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.16
0.73
Avg. Sales Tax
10.25
7.98
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology
Agriculture, Health Care, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
Lower Moderate
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Significant
Moderate

Moving from Chicago to Fresno, you'll encounter differences in living costs, taxes, and economic environments. For instance, despite Fresno having a higher Cost of Living Index, Chicago residents face steeper property and sales taxes. Income also varies, with Chicago households generally earning more. This gap mirrors the distinct economic landscapes of each city, influenced heavily by local industries. Chicago's finance and tech sectors contribute to its higher average income, whereas Fresno's agriculture-based economy presents different financial dynamics. Understanding these distinctions is key to managing your finances effectively during and after your move.

Chicago vs. Fresno Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Chicago, IL, to Fresno, CA, understanding the subtle yet impactful differences in the community profiles is crucial. This brief comparison is designed to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, highlighting how these aspects contribute to the unique cultural fabrics of each city. This is a comparison of the politics between Chicago & Fresno, aimed at easing your transition by familiarizing you with the local values and beliefs in your new city.

Chicago
Fresno
Political Make-up
Strongly Democratic
Moderately Democratic
Local Politics
Liberal, with a focus on progressive policies
Mixed political views, with both progressive and conservative policies
Religion
Diverse, with a strong Catholic presence. Local Catholic Church
Diverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities. Local Catholic Diocese

While both cities lean Democratic, Chicago is known for its strong Democratic ties and progressive agenda, a contrast to Fresno's more balanced political landscape that entertains a mixture of both progressive and conservative values. This dichotomy extends into local politics, where you might find various policies reflecting the diverse political ideologies present in Fresno. Religion plays a dynamic role in both communities, each hosting a rich tapestry of faiths, though the Catholic Church remains significantly influential in both. Understanding these facets of your new home will help you navigate local conversations and community involvement more seamlessly.

Chicago vs. Fresno Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Fresno, CA offers a unique opportunity to compare service quality in daily commute and traffic, particularly focusing on the differences between driving/transiting in Chicago & Fresno. This comparison aims to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in these two cities.

Chicago
Fresno
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
22
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
8 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes, with effort
No, not easily

Transitioning from Chicago to Fresno will significantly affect how you navigate daily commutes. Chicago, with its robust public transit system, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), offers ample options for getting around without a car. On average, Chicagoans may face longer commute times and higher traffic congestion due to the denser urban landscape. In contrast, Fresno, with its shorter average commute times and lighter traffic congestion, relies more on personal vehicles for transportation. The availability and efficiency of public transit in Fresno do not compare to Chicago, making car-dependency much higher. Understanding these key differences can help you prepare for the lifestyle changes ahead.

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