Best Chicago to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from the bustling streets of the Windy City to the tech-savvy hills of San Francisco marks not just a change in scenery, but a thrilling leap into a new chapter of your life. You're trading Chicago's deep-dish pizzas and jazz tunes for San Francisco's sourdough bread and Silicon Valley dreams. In this significant venture, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to movers who aren't just reliable, but underrated heroes of your transition. At Great Guys Moving, we've meticulously assessed the best in the business to ensure your move is as smooth as the Bay breeze.
Best Chicago to San Francisco Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to San Francisco Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
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 movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
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 offers ...Read More >>
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
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.
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. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when trying to familiarize yourself with unfamiliar neighborhoods. This guide will help you find your footing by comparing the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & San Francisco, CA , so you can feel at home more quickly.
| Chicago | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Pacific Heights | Historic, affluent, trendy |
| Wicker Park | Mission District | Hip, artistic, local eateries |
| The Loop | Financial District | Business center, high-rises |
| Lakeview | Cow Hollow | Vibrant nightlife, diverse dining |
| West Loop | SoMa | Industrial past, trendy lofts, tech hub |
| Hyde Park | Haight-Ashbury | Academic environment, historic charm |
| Old Town | North Beach | Historic, vibrant, eclectic |
| Gold Coast | Nob Hill | Upscale, historic architecture |
| Bucktown | Bernal Heights | Family-friendly, artistic vibe |
| South Loop | Potrero Hill | Mixed residential, great views |
If you love exploring the historic and affluent streets of Lincoln Park with its iconic theaters and Lincoln Park Zoo, you'll feel at ease in Pacific Heights, known for its elegance and grand mansions. Enjoy the hip and artistic vibes of Wicker Park, which is packed with unique eateries and craft breweries? Then the Mission District, with popular spots like Dandelion Chocolate and its lively murals, will be your new go-to. For those enamored with the energetic nightlife and eclectic dining scenes of Lakeview, Cow Hollow offers a similar energetic atmosphere with diverse restaurants and bars, including the popular Delarosa. Both neighborhoods will keep your evenings busy and bright.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to San Francisco
Moving from one city to another is a big decision that comes with both exciting opportunities and daunting challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of both the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA . Understanding these aspects will help you weigh your options more carefully and make an informed decision about your move.
Chicago, IL- Harsh Winters
- Limited Public Transit
- Flat Landscape
- Higher Crime Rates
- Lower Cost of Living
San Francisco, CA- Milder Climate
- Extensive Transit Options
- Hilly Terrain
- Lower Crime Rates
- Higher Quality of Life
San Francisco, CA- Expensive Housing
- Smaller Living Spaces
- Higher Cost of Living
- Less Snow
- Traffic Congestion
Chicago, IL- Vibrant Culture
- World-class Museums
- Diverse Culinary Scene
- Lively Sports Scene
- Affordable Public Transit
Moving from Chicago to San Francisco introduces you to a drastically different landscape and climate. San Francisco offers a unique blend of natural beauty, with landscapes like the rolling hills of Twin Peaks, and iconic sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge. The city's milder weather allows for year-round outdoor activities, a stark contrast to Chicago's brutally cold winters. San Francisco's vibrant culinary scene, including renowned restaurants like Quince and bustling neighborhood markets such as the Ferry Building Marketplace, provides an eclectic mix of dining options. While the cost of living is higher, the quality of public transportation options, including BART and Muni, significantly eases commuting woes. However, one cannot overlook the challenges like the high housing costs and smaller living spaces, which may require some adjustment.
Chicago vs. San Francisco Food Guide
As an integral aspect of local culture and lifestyle, the comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & San Francisco allows you to dive deep into what the food scene has to offer in these vibrant cities. Whether you're a foodie at heart or just curious about your new locale, this comparison will get your taste buds excited.
| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza | Vegan Ramen |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Chicago and San Francisco both boast iconic dishes reflective of their rich cultural heritage, but each offers its unique twist on the culinary experience. In Chicago, the deep dish pizza is more than just a meal - it's an experience, famously enjoyed at Lou Malnati's among other historical pizzerias. Meanwhile, San Francisco's sourdough bread, a legend in itself, invites a sense of the city's gold rush history with every bite. The culinary scene in San Francisco is tightly woven with its commitment to health and fitness, evident in the high availability of fresh, local ingredients and an abundance of vegan options like the vegan ramen found in neighborhoods like The Mission. A trip to the Mission District also promises the chance to indulge in the iconic Mission Burrito, a testament to the city's vibrant Mexican cuisine.
Chicago vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
When embarking on a move from Chicago to San Francisco, aside from the stunning views and cultural shifts, food plays a pivotal role in making anywhere feel like home. This comparison aims to bridge the culinary gap between these two cities, allowing you to find new favorite spots that echo the spirit of those you cherished back in Chicago. Discover your next culinary love in San Francisco by comparing top restaurants from Chicago.
| Chicago | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Benu | Both offer cutting-edge molecular gastronomy and fine dining experiences |
| Giordano's | Tony’s Pizza Napoletana | Famed for deep-dish pizza and a diverse pizza menu |
| Portillo's | Tommy’s Joynt | Known for hearty meals reminiscent of Portillo’s iconic Chicago-style foods |
| Girl & The Goat | State Bird Provisions | Both are celebrated for innovative small dishes and vibrant atmospheres |
| The Purple Pig | Liholiho Yacht Club | Offers a joyful exploration of diverse, bold flavors in shareable plates |
| Gene & Georgetti | Harris’ Steakhouse | Classic steakhouses that have stood the test of time with their quality and ambiance |
| Smoque BBQ | 4505 Burgers & BBQ | Both smokehouses are beloved for their authentic, mouth-watering BBQ dishes |
| Au Cheval | Burger Bar San Francisco | Gourmet burgers that meet the high standards of any Au Cheval aficionado |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Swan Oyster Depot | Both offer fresh, high-quality seafood, prime steaks, and are iconic to their cities |
| Big Star | El Farolito | Casual spots ideal for indulging in the local flavors of tacos and margaritas |
For those moving from Chicago to San Francisco and fearing the loss of their go-to dining options, this list serves as a culinary beacon. Alinea's avant-garde approach to dining finds a counterpart in Benu, where the art of molecular gastronomy isn't just continued, but elevated. Pizza connoisseurs need not worry, as Tony’s Pizza Napoletana fills the deep-dish void left by Giordano’s with its award-winning pies. Meanwhile, fans of the eclectic and globally inspired dishes from Girl & The Goat will find solace in State Bird Provisions' similar commitment to innovation in cuisine. These transitions exemplify how food can serve as a bridge, not just between two cities, but also between the familiar and the new.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial, particularly when comparing Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA. This comparison focuses on the essential aspects of housing to guide your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Brick Bungalows, Greystones | Victorian, Edwardian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to public transit | Bay views, tech-friendly amenities |
In delving deeper into the housing details between Chicago and San Francisco, it's evident the cost of living significantly varies. For example, the median home price in San Francisco is more than four times higher than in Chicago, reflecting the stark difference in the real estate market's competitiveness. Similarly, median monthly rent in San Francisco is over twice as much as Chicago, impacting budget considerations for potential movers. Aside from costs, the desirable attributes in listings such as "lake views" in Chicago versus "bay views" in San Francisco highlight the unique geographical features each city offers. Meanwhile, the emphasis on tech-friendly amenities in San Francisco's listings underscores the city's identity as a tech hub. Walking and biking scores also reveal San Francisco's slightly higher favorability towards a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly lifestyle, complementing its dense, urban environment.
Chicago vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another can dramatically change your day-to-day life, especially when it comes to the weather. It's vital to understand how the climate in Chicago will compare to San Francisco to prepare adequately for your move. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and what you might expect as you transition from the Windy City to the Bay Area.
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornados | Earthquakes, Fires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While the average high in summer in Chicago can reach the mid-80s, San Francisco's climate remains more consistent, with highs rarely exceeding the low 70s. This means you'll likely need a more versatile wardrobe in San Francisco, where layers are crucial due to the city's famous microclimates. Additionally, San Francisco offers more sunny days per year, but it's important to note that its higher UV index means you'll need to be more diligent about sun protection. Transitioning from a place with significant annual snowfall to one with virtually none represents a significant change, minimizing the need for winter gear and snow-related inconveniences in San Francisco. Lastly, while both cities face natural disaster risks, they differ significantly in nature, suggesting a need to familiarize yourself with new safety precautions for earthquakes and fires upon moving to San Francisco.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to San Francisco
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your financial situation might change. This comparison aims to highlight the key money and finance differences you'll face when moving from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA . Knowing these differences can help you prepare for the cost of living, taxation, and overall economic environment in your new home.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.63 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Food, Healthcare | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Significant |
Moving from Chicago to San Francisco brings with it a significant adjustment in financial terms. While the average household income in San Francisco is notably higher, this comes with a much higher cost of living, especially in terms of housing and everyday expenses. State income tax is almost double in San Francisco compared to Chicago, a factor that needs careful consideration when planning your finances. Interestingly, despite the stark difference in cost of living, both cities grapple with significant homelessness issues, highlighting the complexities of urban economic environments. However, the affluence in San Francisco is described as high, thanks to its booming technology and finance sectors, providing ample job opportunities for professionals in these fields.
Chicago vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome to our comparison aimed to give you a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between Chicago & San Francisco . This will help you understand the typical societal landscape you're moving from and to, providing a clearer perspective on your new home.
| Chicago | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Strongly Democratic-leaning |
| Local Politics | Diverse with a historical emphasis on the Democratic party | Progressively liberal, with a focus on issues such as environmental protection and social justice |
| Religion | A mix of religions, with a significant portion identifying as Catholic; notable presence of Catholic churches and other religious institutions | More secular than the national average, but diverse; renowned for its Buddhist San Francisco Zen Center among other institutions |
While both cities lean Democratic, San Francisco's political landscape is markedly more progressive, with local politics heavily focusing on environmental and social justice causes. Religion in Chicago is more pronounced, with Catholicism playing a significant role among its residents. In contrast, San Francisco is noted for its secularism, although it maintains a vibrant tapestry of religious faiths, including a notable Buddhist community represented by institutions like the San Francisco Zen Center. This comparison illustrates the unique social and political environments you're transitioning between.
Chicago vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA can be a big shift, especially when it comes to navigating daily life. To help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will look like, we’ve created a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & San Francisco. This overview aims to give you insights into what getting around might entail, whether you're driving or using public transit.
| Comparison | Chicago | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 32 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | Yes |
In Chicago, while public transit is quite comprehensive, including buses and the 'L' train system, your journey might still average around 34 minutes. San Francisco, on the other hand, also offers a robust public transit system with buses, Muni trains, and BART, slightly reducing your commute time. Both cities boast a high availability of public transit options, making it feasible to live without a car. However, the slightly less congested streets in San Francisco might make your commute a bit more predictable. Despite these differences, adapting to either city's transit system can significantly ease your daily routines and contribute to a smoother transition.
Popular Chicago, IL to California Moving Routes
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Chicago to San Diego
- Chicago to San Jose
- Chicago to Fresno
- Chicago to Sacramento
- Chicago to Long Beach
- Chicago to Oakland
- Chicago to Bakersfield
- Chicago to Anaheim
- Chicago to Santa Ana
- Chicago to Riverside
- Chicago to Stockton
- Chicago to Irvine
- Chicago to Chula Vista
- Chicago to Fremont
- Chicago to San Bernardino
- Chicago to Modesto
- Chicago to Fontana
- Chicago to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
