Planning a move from Long Beach, CA to Illinois? Real cost estimates, top mover picks, and a full cost of living comparison before you book.
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If you're moving from Long Beach to Illinois, you're dealing with roughly 1,970 miles — solidly cross-country territory. The logistics are real, but so is the payoff: Illinois is substantially cheaper to live in than coastal California, and most people making this move end up ahead financially once they settle in.
Below is what I've pulled together: the five movers I'd actually consider for this route, honest cost ranges across every service type, and a clear look at what changes when you trade Long Beach's beach weather for Midwest winters.
Out of 96 Long Beach movers capable of handling state-to-state relocations, these five consistently stand out for the Long Beach–to–Illinois corridor:
6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 85% positive reviews | 14% negative | Yelp | Google | BBB: A+
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | DOT #: 568254 | 33 years in business | CA License: 0189566
Sterling has been operating for over three decades and has a particular reputation for handling smaller loads well. If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom, they're worth a close look. Customers consistently mention polite crews, careful handling, and pricing that doesn't come with hidden surprises mid-move. The weaker spots: delivery window accuracy and communication when something goes wrong. Claims resolution isn't their strongest area, and a handful of reviewers mention missing items after delivery. That said, 84.5% of 362 analyzed reviews came back positive — a reliable track record by industry standards.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Accepts cash, money order, and credit card.
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 77% positive reviews | 20% negative | Yelp | Google | BBB: A+
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | DOT #: 921143 | 27 years in business | CA License: 189849
Meathead's reputation is built on pace and professionalism — crews hustle, communicate clearly, and treat belongings with care. At 76.7% positive from 596 analyzed reviews, they outperform most competitors by a meaningful margin. The complaints worth knowing about: damage to furniture and property, unexpected charges that weren't discussed upfront, and some late arrivals. This isn't unusual for a high-volume mover, but it reinforces a consistent rule: get your quote in writing and ask specifically about any potential add-on charges before move day.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Accepts cash and credit card.
4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 80% positive reviews | 20% negative | Yelp | Google | BBB: A+
Rating: 4.66 / 5 | DOT #: 3075110 | 11 years in business | CA License: 0191663
Rigo's earns consistent praise for loading and unloading speed, respectful handling of furniture, and clear communication from crews during the move. Nearly 80% of 522 analyzed reviews were positive. The recurring negatives: furniture damage, late arrival, and a few reports of being charged for time crews weren't actively working. Before you book, nail down the rate structure and ask point-blank about their claims process. Most customers would use them again — but the ones who wouldn't usually cite a billing dispute that dragged on.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
5655 Dolly Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621 95% positive reviews | 4% negative | Yelp | Google | BBB: A+
Rating: 4.56 / 5 | DOT #: 1839600 | 38 years in business | CA License: 0192009
Merit's satisfaction numbers are striking: 95.3% positive from 258 analyzed reviews, which is genuinely high for this industry. What drives it? Communication. Customers mention proactive updates, crews that accommodate last-minute schedule shifts, and professional handling throughout. Merit's DOD certification and full-valuation coverage also make them a strong option for complicated moves or high-value items. The small percentage of negative reviews follows the same pattern as competitors — damage, missing items, unclear charges — but they're rare here compared to most.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. DOD certified. Accepts credit card.
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071 88% positive reviews | 12% negative | Yelp | Google | BBB: A+
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | DOT #: 3014539 | 7 years in business | CA License: 0192497
Seka is the youngest company on this list at 7 years, but they've built a reputation quickly. Polite crews, careful handling, moves that routinely finish ahead of schedule — 88% of analyzed feedback was positive. The negative reviews, while fewer than average, flag damaged items and dissatisfaction with how disputes get resolved after the fact. Seka's in-move responsiveness is strong; post-move complaint handling is where things get uneven. Worth considering, but get full-valuation coverage on anything irreplaceable.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing. Accepts cash, money order, and credit card. Deposit required.
Here's a snapshot of specialty add-on services among Long Beach movers handling interstate moves:
| Service | Available from |
|---|---|
| Interstate | 90 movers (93.75%) |
| Small moves | 50 movers (52.08%) |
| Antiques | 65 movers (67.71%) |
| Art | 61 movers (63.54%) |
| Pianos | 76 movers (79.17%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 25 movers (26.04%) |
| Custom crating (art/antiques) | 72 movers |
Run your specifics through our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate. The table below covers the main service types based on a 1,970-mile move from Long Beach to Illinois.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,261 – $4,441 | $1,055 – $2,666 | $1,111 – $2,017 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,197 – $7,257 | $1,900 – $4,023 | $1,121 – $2,549 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,662 – $10,459 | $2,601 – $5,370 | $1,546 – $3,061 |
Ranges are approximate, based on a 1,970-mile move from Long Beach, CA to Illinois using pricing data current as of January 2026. Your final cost will vary based on home size, add-on services, parking access, fuel costs, and move date. Get estimates from at least three movers before committing.
Full-service movers handle everything — loading, transport, and unloading — and price it accordingly. For a studio or one-bedroom on this route, expect $1,261–$4,441. Two to three bedrooms runs $3,197–$7,257. A four-plus bedroom home will likely land between $5,662 and $10,459. The wide ranges reflect real differences in service levels, move timing, and which company you go with.
Moving containers sit in the middle ground: you handle the packing and loading, the company moves the container. That split keeps costs lower than full-service without putting you behind the wheel for 2,000 miles. A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,055–$2,666. Two to three bedrooms: $1,900–$4,023. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,601–$5,370. Prices vary enough by provider and availability that it's worth getting quotes from at least two or three companies.
The rental truck option is your cheapest option on paper, but don't ignore what it actually costs: you're loading, driving nearly 2,000 miles across the country, then unloading. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,111–$2,017. Two to three bedrooms: $1,121–$2,549. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,546–$3,061. These figures include estimated fuel costs.
The financial argument for this move is straightforward. Long Beach is one of California's more expensive cities, and Illinois is considerably more affordable across almost every category. Here's the full picture.
| Long Beach, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,075 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $835,800 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $78,995 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 162 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers actually mean for you:
| Long Beach, CA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 451,307 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (51–46) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 79°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 46°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 14″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 58.58 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth genuinely preparing for:
A few things that come up on interstate moves that people don't always think about ahead of time:
Wherever you land in Illinois, there's more on offer than people assume from the outside.
Most full-service moves on this route take 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery. Summer moves often run toward the longer end because demand is higher and movers are juggling more jobs. Before you sign, nail down the estimated delivery window in writing — "5 to 16 days" is a range, not a promise, and being without your belongings for two weeks is a different situation than five days.
72 movers in Long Beach offer custom crating for specialty items including artwork, antiques, and electronics. If you have pieces that need it, confirm the specifics before booking — not every company that lists crating as a service handles every item type.
For a move this long, auto transport is worth serious consideration. Driving a second vehicle nearly 2,000 miles adds cost, wear, and time. Our car shipping guide covers how to find a reputable auto transporter and what to expect on the Long Beach–to–Illinois route.
Chicago is a significant pull — it's one of the most economically diverse major cities in the country, with strong job markets in finance, healthcare, tech, and logistics. Combined with housing costs that are a fraction of coastal California, the case for the move adds up quickly for a lot of people.
Start with the list above. Then use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes based on your actual home size and preferred move dates. If you want a broader comparison of vetted interstate companies, our long-distance movers guide covers what to look for when you're vetting companies for a move of this distance.
41 movers in Long Beach accept cash, but cash is uncommon for interstate moves of this size — most companies prefer traceable payment methods. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover before signing the contract.
