Moving from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA

Moving from one big city to an even bigger one 

Making the trek of over 2,000 miles from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA, is a near cross-country move full of exciting changes.  

Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S., with 2.7 million residents and 9.6 million in the metro. Changing your home address to LA means moving to the second-largest city in the U.S. Los Angeles has 3.9 million residents and 13.2 million in the metro. Only New York City is larger in the United States.  

Don’t let the larger numbers worry you—the population density in LA is lower than in Chicago, so you might find it easier to move around as you explore your new home. 

Sunny with a chance of celebrity sightings in LA

Los Angeles boasts over 284 sunny days per year, compared to only 189 in Chicago. And with all that sunshine, you might even spot a celebrity while enjoying the outdoors.  

Both cities have warm summers, with highs averaging around 84 degrees. You’ll notice less rain in LA, with an average of 16 inches, compared to around 38 inches in Chicago. But in LA, you’ll have the ocean nearby if you want to feel connected to the water. 

Winters in Los Angeles are much milder than in Chicago, with lows around 46 degrees and no snow. Chicago's average snowfall is 35 inches per year, with lows of 19 degrees.  

Embrace the cultural scene

It’s no secret that LA is known for the Hollywood culture of “swimming pools and movie stars,” but that’s not all it has to offer. 

The city has natural and artificial beauty, from stunning sunsets to street art to festivals. With thriving arts, music, food and sports scenes, there’s something for everyone to get excited about. Notable places to visit include Disneyland Park, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Check out some of these other iconic attractions: 

  • Dodgers Stadium 
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 
  • Los Angeles County Museum 
  • The Getty 
  • Rodeo Drive 
  • Union Station 

Working in LA

Los Angeles draws people from all over the world with its diverse communities and multiple opportunities in the entertainment industry. Actors, artists, dancers, singers and many others who work alongside these professionals call LA and the surrounding areas home. 

Other employment opportunities are available in bioscience, education, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, logistics, manufacturing and trade. 

Move to California the easy way with U-Pack

U-Pack® is the easy way to move from Chicago to Los Angeles through our nationwide network of service centers. We have extensive experience to handle the driving, so you can focus on packing, loading and unloading.

Request your free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We’re here to help!