Data-backed Moving Costs in Illinois (2026)

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

The average cost of movers in Illinois is $192 per hour, with the total for a typical move ranging from $529 - $6,165. Your exact costs will depend on factors like how long your move takes, the size of your moving crew, and any add-on services like packing or storage you choose.

Enter your anticipated move date and home size into our free moving cost calculator to get instant, no-hassle estimates catered to your needs and budget.

Moving costs in Illinois by home size

Moving costs in Illinois range from $529 for a studio apartment to $6,165 for 5 or more bedrooms. Local moves are billed hourly per crew member, so a bigger home means a bigger crew, more hours, and a higher total.

The average hourly rate for local moves in Illinois is $192, but most IL moving companies charge a 2-hour minimum. This means the baseline for a small move will be $384.

The table below shows the average total cost of a local move in Illinois by home size, along with the typical crew size and total hours for each:

Home size	Moving crew size	# of hours	Average cost
Studio apartment	2	3	$529
1 bedroom	2	4	$798
2 bedrooms	3	5	$1,390
3 bedrooms	4	8	$3,423
4 bedrooms	4	9	$3,951
5+ bedrooms	5	10	$6,165

Illinois moving costs by type of mover

Full-service movers are the most expensive option in Illinois, costing $270 - $1,350 more than DIY moves on average, since the price covers labor, transportation, and equipment.

Rental trucks and moving containers cost less but require more hands-on work, and the gap narrows once you add in the fees that come with handling the move yourself:

Fuel: Illinois's average gas price is $3.19 per gallon, which adds up quickly on longer routes.
Equipment rentals: Dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks run $45 - $270 per day.
Labor-only help: Since rental trucks and containers do not include loading or unloading, hiring a labor-only crew adds $61 - $81.

Take a look at how the average cost of each move type in Illinois compares:

Type of mover	Estimated cost
Full-service movers	$529 - $6,165
Moving containers	$208 - $7,548
Rental trucks	$20 - $101
Labor-only	$61 - $81

How much movers cost in Illinois by city

How to estimate moving costs in Illinois

Follow these steps to build a realistic budget for a local or long-distance move in Illinois.

Determine local vs long-distance — Moves under 100 miles within Illinois are billed hourly by crew size and total hours. Long-distance moves (100+ miles) are priced by shipment weight and mileage and typically cost more. Decide which category your move falls into before comparing quotes.
Size your home and inventory — Use the home-size table above to match your bedroom count to typical crew size, hours, and average cost in Illinois. A studio runs about $529 while a 5+ bedroom averages $6,165. List large furniture and specialty items so quotes reflect your actual inventory.
Compare move types — Full-service movers ($529–$6,165) cover labor and transport. Moving containers ($208–$7,548), rental trucks ($20–$101), and labor-only crews ($61–$81) cost less but require more hands-on work.
Get 3+ written quotes — Request written estimates from at least three licensed Illinois movers. Share your home size, move date, and destination. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to benchmark quotes against moveBuddha's statewide pricing data.
Book an off-peak date — Mid-week, mid-month dates between October and April are the cheapest times to move in Illinois. Booking during summer, on a weekend, or in the last 3 days of any month pushes rates 20%–30% higher.

FAQs about Illinois moving costs

How much does it cost to hire movers in Illinois?

Hiring local movers in Illinois costs $529 – $6,165 depending on home size, with a 3-bedroom averaging $3,423. Long-distance moves out of Illinois are priced by weight and mileage and typically run higher.

For a personalized quote tailored to your move details, plug your home size and destination into our moving cost calculator.

What is the average hourly rate for movers in Illinois?

Local movers in Illinois charge an average of $192 per hour based on moveBuddha's analysis of Illinois-area mover pricing. Most movers enforce a 2-hour minimum, putting the floor for a small local move at $384.

Final cost depends on crew size, total billable hours, and access conditions like stairs and long carries.

What is the cheapest way to move in Illinois?

Rental trucks are typically the cheapest way to move in Illinois, saving $270 – $1,350 compared to full-service movers on average. Keep in mind that with rental trucks you will be responsible for loading, unloading, and driving, and will have related expenses like gas ($3 per gallon on average in Illinois) and equipment rentals ($45 – $270 per day).

How much does a long-distance move from Illinois cost?

Long-distance moves (100+ miles) from Illinois cost between $1,350 and $7,650+, with an average cost of $3,060 – $4,050 for 2–3 bedrooms. Long-distance move pricing is driven by shipment weight and total mileage rather than hours on the clock.

When is the cheapest time to move in Illinois?

Mid-week, mid-month dates between October and April are the cheapest times to move in Illinois. Booking during summer, on a weekend, or in the last 3 days of any month pushes rates 20%–30% higher.

How much does packing add to a Illinois move?

Professional packing services in Illinois add $450 for a small 1-bedroom move and up to $4,500 for a 4–5 bedroom home. Final cost depends on how much you are moving and how fragile your belongings are.

Self-packing non-fragile items can keep that fee in check. See our packing tips guide for ways to box efficiently before moving day.