Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 1,749 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $2,147 – $3,434 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $4,703 – $7,457 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $7,708 – $12,173 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Chicago compares to Los Angeles
Los Angeles's median home value is $822,600 — 170% higher than Chicago's $304,500.
Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $1,791 in Los Angeles and $1,314 in Chicago.
On housing costs, Chicago, IL looks more affordable than Los Angeles, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,881,041 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $822,600 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $76,244 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,791 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.