Best Chicago to Oceanside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chicago to Oceanside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,096 mile move from Illinois to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 Chicago to Oceanside 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 Oceanside. 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 Oceanside 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
4Right Way Movers9.028.77Authorized For HHG
5Vector Moving and Storage 8.858.84Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,096 miles from Chicago, IL to Oceanside, CA will cost on average $3,564 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Oceanside move is roughly $8,601. 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$2,391300 ft³$7.97
1 Bedroom$3,564450 ft³$7.92
2 Bedrooms$5,902750 ft³$7.87
3 Bedrooms$8,6011100 ft³$7.82
4 Bedrooms$12,4311600 ft³$7.77
5+ Bedrooms$13,8951800 ft³$7.72
*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 Oceanside to Chicago guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Oceanside 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
Right Way Movers Logo

Right Way Movers

Superb9.02/10
based on 630+ data points

825 College Blvd

Oceanside, CA, 92057

About Right Way Movers

Right Way Movers is a family moving company located right in Oceanside, California. Since 2002, this California moving company has been...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Military Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1154565 / 536559

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved36,550 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Vector Moving and Storage  Logo

Vector Moving and Storage

Superb8.85/10
based on 3,319+ data points

6920 Miramar Rd # 305

San Diego, CA, 92121

About Vector Moving and Storage

Vector Moving and Storage was founded in San Diego, CA, in 2010 on the principles of customer satisfaction, honest pricing, and...

Services

  • Local moving services in San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and more
  • Long distance moving services, including dedicated truck and trailer options
  • Packing services, including furniture, kitchen and furniture, and full-service packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3152229 / 105580

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved210,000 (2022)
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. Oceanside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be overwhelming, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Oceanside, CA. This guide will help you find a new neighborhood in Oceanside that shares the vibe and characteristics of your old Chicago haunt.

ChicagoOceansideHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkSouth OceansideVibrant, near the beach
Wicker ParkFire MountainTrendy, artistic community
Gold CoastIvy RanchUpscale, family-friendly
LoopDowntown OceansideUrban, lively area
River NorthHenie HillsUpscale, with lively nightlife
Hyde ParkRancho Del OroHistoric, community-focused
AndersonvilleLoma AltaDiverse, with a rich cultural scene
Old TownJeffries RanchCharming, with historic homes
Logan SquareGuajomeEclectic, with a creative spirit
LakeviewNorth ValleyResidential, community-active

For those moving from Lincoln Park in Chicago to Oceanside, you'll find South Oceanside offers a similar beachside vibrancy with bustling cafes, local shops, and beachfront parks like Buccaneer Park. Wicker Park's creative and artistic flair is mirrored in Fire Mountain's community with events and local art studios, providing an edgy yet homely feel. If the upscale and historic charm of the Gold Coast is what you're leaving behind, Ivy Ranch in Oceanside provides an eloquent neighborhood with family-friendly parks and schools. And, for those who thrive in the urban buzz of the Loop, Downtown Oceanside's mix of cultural venues, restaurants like Local Tap House & Kitchen, and proximity to the Oceanside Pier offers a lively setting that's hard to beat.

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Things to Do in Oceanside

  • Stroll along Oceanside Pier
  • Visit the California Surf Museum
  • Explore Mission San Luis Rey
  • Go whale watching
  • Experience the Sunset Market
  • Hike in Guajome County Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Oceanside

Moving from one city to another presents an array of changes; some are welcome, others not so much. Here's an insightful guide that frankly weighs the good against the bad of relocating from Chicago, IL to Oceanside, CA. With these charts, visualize the benefits and downsides to better prepare for your upcoming transition.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Cold winters
  • High taxes
  • Dense traffic
  • Higher crime rate
Oceanside, CA iconOceanside, CA
  • Warmer climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Less traffic
  • Safer neighborhoods
Oceanside, CA iconOceanside, CA
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less historical sites
  • Dependent on cars
  • Fewer dining options
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant culture
  • Rich history
  • Excellent public transit
  • Diverse food scene

While moving from Chicago's brisk winters to Oceanside's sunny climate is a major plus, it's the nuances that make the transition interesting. Oceanside, with its iconic pier and vibrant harbor, offers a unique coastal experience, significantly different from Chicago's urban hustle. The quieter nightlife in Oceanside might seem like a downside after Chicago's bustling scene, yet this city compensates with beautiful beaches and engaging outdoor activities. Local dining might not match Chicago's diversity, but places like Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub showcase innovative culinary trends that food lovers will appreciate. As for history and culture, Oceanside's Museum of Art and historical missions offer a compelling glimpse into California's past.

Chicago vs. Oceanside Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Oceanside is essential for understanding the vibrant food scenes in each city. Knowing what culinary delights await can significantly enrich your experience as you transition to your new home.

Chicago
Oceanside
Most iconic local food item
Deep-dish pizza
Fish tacos
Most popular meat dish
Italian beef
Carne asada
Most popular street food item
Chicago-style hot dog
Street tacos
Most popular vegan food
Seitan dishes
Acai bowls
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Beach Break Cafe
  • 333 Pacific
  • Urban Plates
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Chicago, the culinary landscape is deeply integrated with its history, featuring unique dishes like deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog that can be found in many neighborhoods, particularly in The Loop or River North. Meanwhile, Oceanside boasts a fresher, more health-conscious selection, with an abundance of seafood and Mexican-inspired cuisine reflecting its coastal and cultural influences. Fish tacos and street tacos, popular among locals and tourists alike, can be savored along the Oceanside Pier and in the South O area, showcasing the city’s laid-back beach vibe and its proximity to the sea.

Chicago vs. Oceanside Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering great places to dine. This comparison of top restaurants from Chicago, IL to Oceanside, CA is tailored to help relocating food enthusiasts find their next favorite spots by drawing parallels with familiar favorites back home.

ChicagoOceansideWhat You'll Love
AlineaJeune et JolieAvant-garde French cuisine with a creative twist
Portillo'sThat Boy GoodSouthern BBQ vibes meet California freshness
The Purple PigLocal Tap House & KitchenEclectic small plates and a gastropub atmosphere
Girl & The GoatDija MaraSoutheast Asian cuisine with a Western flair
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaPrivateer Coal Fire PizzaAuthentic, coal-fired pizzas with unique toppings
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse608 OceansideUpscale steaks and seafood with a modern twist
MingHin CuisineWrench and Rodent SeabasstropubInnovative and sustainable sushi
Au ChevalThe Miller's TableCraft sandwiches and salads with gourmet flair
Piña's BoulangerieBread & Cheese EateryArtisan breads and exquisite cheese pairings
Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillMarieta's Fine Mexican CuisineAuthentic Mexican dishes with a local twist

When you start seeking out dining experiences in Oceanside that remind you of the culinary adventures back in Chicago, you'll appreciate places like Jeune et Jolie, which mirrors Alinea's innovative approach to French cuisine. For those craving a taste of home at Lou Malnati's, Privateer Coal Fire Pizza offers a slice of comfort with its authentic, coal-fired pizzas. Meanwhile, fans of the world-renowned sushi at MingHin Cuisine can find a novel twist on seafood and sushi offerings at Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, known for its commitment to sustainability and inventive cuisine. These comparisons are just the beginning of a delicious journey as you make Oceanside your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Chicago vs. Oceanside Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor to consider when relocating. Understanding how Chicago, IL, and Oceanside, CA compare in terms of housing can greatly impact your decision. This comparison covers various aspects including cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

Chicago
Oceanside
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Historic
Spanish and Coastal
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Lake views, rooftop decks
Ocean views, proximity to beaches

When comparing real estate between Chicago and Oceanside, the most striking difference is the median home price, with Oceanside's being considerably higher. This reflects the premium put on coastal living in California. Chicago's architecture is varied, blending modern skyscrapers with historic brownstones, while Oceanside features Spanish-inspired homes and beachfront properties. Despite Chicago being more walkable and having a higher urban lifestyle rating due to its dense and vibrant city life, Oceanside offers a laid-back vibe with its unique coastal and Spanish architectural elements, appealing to those seeking a serene lifestyle close to the ocean.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Oceanside, CA

1. Fire Mountain : You’ll love Fire Mountain for its spacious parks and abundant walking trails perfect for you and your pet.

2. South Oceanside : This neighborhood offers easy access to dog-friendly beaches and a supportive community for pet lovers like you.

3. Loma Alta : Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Loma Alta features numerous pet-friendly amenities and outdoor activities for you and your pet to enjoy together.

Chicago vs. Oceanside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Oceanside, CA, understanding how the weather compares between your current city and your new home is crucial. This comparison will give you a clear picture of the climatic changes you should expect, helping you to adapt more comfortably to your new environment. Here's how the weather variables stack up in Chicago versus Oceanside.

Chicago
Oceanside
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Cold waves
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Air Quality
Variable
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83°F / 63°F
74°F / 64°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

32°F / 18°F
64°F / 45°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
13
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

36
0


Moving from Chicago to Oceanside, you’ll say goodbye to icy winters and hello to mild, sunny days year-round. While Chicago experiences a wide range of temperatures and welcomes a fair share of snow, Oceanside offers a stable climate, boasting over 260 days of sunshine with minimal rainfall. However, with Oceanside’s higher UV index, it’s important to prepare for more sun exposure. Adaptation might include incorporating sun protection into your daily routine. Though air quality in Oceanside is generally good, being aware of wildfire season and its impact is crucial. Additionally, shifting from snow-driven winters to the occasional earthquake requires a new set of preparedness skills. Understanding these differences will help you make a smooth transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating, it's crucial to compare the financial landscape of your current and future home. This guide highlights the money and finance differences between Chicago, IL and Oceanside, CA, providing insights into what to expect. Understanding these variances can help you make an informed decision and prepare for your move.

Chicago
Oceanside
Avg. Household Income
$66,576
$78,125
Cost of Living Index
116.9
136.4
State Income Tax
4.95
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.1
0.77
Avg. Sales Tax
10.25
8.25
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Manufacturing, Information
Defense, Tourism, Technology
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Noticeable
Lower
Homelessness
Critical
Concerning

In transitioning from Chicago to Oceanside, you'll observe a notable rise in the cost of living, primarily driven by housing and daily expenses. While Oceanside boasts a higher average household income, the increase in state income tax and the cost of living index might offset this advantage. However, the significantly lower property tax rate in Oceanside compared to Chicago's 2.1% could provide some financial relief. It's also worth noting that Oceanside's economy, buoyed by sectors like defense, tourism, and technology, presents new job opportunities distinct from Chicago's finance and manufacturing-driven market. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a smooth financial transition.

Chicago vs. Oceanside Political & Religious Comparison

In this comparison, we're giving you a quick snapshot to understand the political and religious makeup between Chicago, IL and Oceanside, CA . This overview aims to provide a clearer picture of the communities you're moving from and to, touching upon their political leanings, local governance, and prevalent religious congregations.

Chicago
Oceanside
Political Make-up
Democratic
Leans Democratic
Local Politics
Mayor-Led City
City Council-Manager
Religion
Varied, with Catholicism being significant
Varied, with a strong Protestant presence

Chicago and Oceanside both lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, though the mechanisms of local governance differ, with Chicago being led by a mayor and Oceanside operating under a city council-manager system. This reflects on how policies and decisions are approached in each city. Religious diversity is a common thread between the two, yet the dominant religious affiliations differ. While Catholicism plays a significant role in Chicago's community life, Oceanside showcases a stronger Protestant presence. Understanding these dynamics can provide you with a smoother transition and integration into your new locale.

Chicago vs. Oceanside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in driving and transiting between Chicago & Oceanside can be crucial for planning your daily commute post-move. This comparison aims to give a clearer picture of the traffic conditions and transportation options you might experience in these cities.

Chicago
Oceanside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
26
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
8 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes, with some effort
Possible, but challenging

Chicago's dense urban environment lends itself to a robust public transit system, making it easier to navigate the city without a personal vehicle, compared to Oceanside, where the layout and infrastructure lean more towards car dependency. The lower traffic congestion in Oceanside reflects its less crowded nature and potentially smoother commutes, albeit with a weaker public transit framework. This discrepancy highlights the importance of considering personal and work-related transit needs when moving from a city like Chicago to a more spread-out locale like Oceanside.

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