- Road distance
- about 2,080 miles
- Usual corridor
- I-55, I-44, I-40, then I-15 south
- Driving alone
- at least 5 days for a loaded truck
- Chicago loading
- Parking, elevator and building rules settled before the truck arrives
What it costs to move from Chicago to San Diego
| Home | Typical weight | Linehaul planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Few items | about 1,200 lb | $1,100 to $1,750 |
| Studio | about 2,000 lb | $1,450 to $2,300 |
| 1 bedroom | about 3,000 lb | $2,150 to $3,450 |
| 2 bedroom | about 5,500 lb | $3,950 to $6,300 |
| 3 bedroom | about 8,500 lb | $6,050 to $9,700 |
| 4 bedroom | about 12,000 lb | $8,550 to $13,700 |
Shipping less helps here. A move this long makes every 1,000 pounds count, and many San Diego homes have less storage than Chicago-area ones.
Delivery by neighborhood
Beach communities
Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach have narrow streets and alleys and very limited parking, especially in summer. A shuttle truck is common. Weekday delivery can be much easier.
Downtown and condos
Towers usually require an elevator reservation, set hours and a certificate of insurance. Ask your building as soon as you have a date.
North County and inland
Carlsbad, Escondido and inland suburbs generally have better truck access, though HOA rules are common.
Military moves
San Diego has a large military presence. If the government is arranging your move, your options run through the military's own system, so check first with your transportation office. See military moves for what to ask.
Getting ready
The climate is mild and doesn't call for much of your Chicago winter wardrobe. Donate what you won't use before the survey, since heavy coats and winter gear do add up. Our moving to California guide covers taxes and licensing.