Moving from Illinois to Texas (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 994-mile interstate move from Illinois to Texas. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 758 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Texas?
The rates below are based on 758 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 994-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,130 - $4,750 | $820 - $2,010 | $670 - $1,250 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,350 - $5,540 | $1,420 - $3,000 | $670 - $1,520 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,950 - $7,460 | $1,960 - $3,830 | $910 - $1,710 |
Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 75% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
25% of movers in Illinois offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for an Illinois to Texas move
The ranges above cover loading, 994 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Illinois to Texas) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $960 - $2,500 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $380 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $820 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $400 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $190 - $530 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $540 - $810 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 994-mile haul.
43% of movers in Illinois handle piano moves, 10% handle pool tables, and 15% handle safes. 11% of Illinois movers require a deposit to book, and 9% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Illinois to Texas Movers
These movers average a 88% positive review rate among Illinois movers we track.
Compare movers for your Illinois to Texas move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the Illinois long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Texas:
1% of Illinois movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
110 Schiller St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
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Alternate Illinois to Texas moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on an Illinois to Texas move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 75% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Illinois run $61 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Texas end. 27% of movers in Illinois offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Illinois on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Texas for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $317 - $827 to rent in Illinois, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Illinois to Texas move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Texas to Illinois guide.
Illinois to Texas cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a Illinois to Texas move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | Illinois | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 93 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $73,035 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $300,267 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $1,251 |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 8.19% |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 27.32 |
| College graduation rate | 37.14% | 33.12% |
| Population | 12,549,689 | 30,503,301 |
The cost of living in Texas is comparable to Illinois, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
Texas's largest industries are Manufacturing ($37.6 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($22 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Illinois to Texas
Should I ship my car when moving from Illinois to Texas?
Deciding whether to ship or drive your car comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for an Illinois to Texas move typically costs $600 - $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, with open transport cheaper than enclosed. Most people ship when the drive would take more than 2 days, or they're relocating more than 1 vehicle.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Illinois at Illinois's official regulatorandin Texas at Texas's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for an Illinois to Texas move?
People making this move are often chasing ample economic opportunity in Texas.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 45% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What's the weather in Texas like compared to Illinois?
Texas sees hotter summers and milder winters than Illinois: summer highs average 94°F versus 86°F, and winter lows average 36°F versus 17°F. Annual snowfall runs 2 inches in Texas compared to 22 inches in Illinois, so factor that into your planning. Pack accordingly for the shift.
How long does it take to move from Illinois to Texas?
Plan for 2 - 7 days from pickup to delivery, depending on distance, your mover's routing, and whether your shipment is consolidated with others. Moving containers take longer, typically 1 - 2 weeks from loading to delivery since they ship by scheduled ground freight. Rental trucks give you the most control since you drive directly, but add 1 - 2 days depending on distance.
Popular Illinois to Texas moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Illinois to Texas corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
- Chicago, IL to Houston, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to San Antonio, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Austin, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Fort Worth, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to El Paso, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Corpus Christi, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Amarillo, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Plano, TX Movers
- Chicago, IL to Lubbock, TX Movers
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Moving from Illinois to Texas: the bottom line
The cost to move from Illinois to Texas depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 45% - 75% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 994-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.