Moving from Louisiana to Illinois (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 853-mile interstate move from Louisiana to Illinois. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 1,219 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 Louisiana to Illinois?
The rates below are based on 1,219 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 853-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 | $1,150 - $4,240 | $820 - $1,980 | $580 - $1,050 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,470 - $5,930 | $1,410 - $2,870 | $660 - $1,290 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,080 - $7,670 | $1,970 - $3,460 | $770 - $1,660 |
Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 80% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
10% of movers in Louisiana offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Louisiana to Illinois move
The ranges above cover loading, 853 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 (Louisiana to Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $710 - $1,850 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $390 |
| 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 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $470 - $700 |
| 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 853-mile haul.
32% of movers in Louisiana handle piano moves, 3% handle pool tables, and 18% handle safes. 7% of Louisiana movers require a deposit to book, and 10% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Louisiana to Illinois Movers
These movers average a 85% positive review rate among Louisiana movers we track.
Compare movers for your Louisiana to Illinois move
Get quotes from a few of these before deciding: the long-distance movers serving Louisiana that our reviews rank highest for moves headed to Illinois:
1% of Louisiana movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
208 Easy St, Lafayette, LA 70506
10444 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
13100 Carrere Ct, New Orleans, LA 70129
Bayou Services of Lake Charles, LLC
2925 Industrial Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615
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Alternate Louisiana to Illinois moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Louisiana to Illinois move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% 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 Louisiana run $59 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Illinois end. 32% of movers in Louisiana offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Louisiana on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Illinois for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $322 - $820 to rent in Louisiana, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Louisiana to Illinois 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 Illinois to Louisiana guide.
Louisiana to Illinois cost of living comparison
Every state-to-state move comes down to a similar set of questions: what will it cost to live there, what's the job market like, and how affordable is housing? Using the moving trends we track nationwide, here's how Louisiana and Illinois compare:
| Factor | Louisiana | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 90 |
| Average household income | $57,852 | $78,433 |
| Median home value | $201,519 | $249,224 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
| Average monthly rent | $996 | $1,179 |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.82% |
| Crime index | 33.77 | 19.7 |
| College graduation rate | 26.45% | 37.14% |
| Population | 4,573,749 | 12,549,689 |
The cost of living in Illinois is comparable to Louisiana, 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.
Illinois'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 Louisiana to Illinois
Are full-service movers worth it for a Louisiana to Illinois move?
People making this move are often chasing home of Chicago in Illinois.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 55% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What's the weather in Illinois like compared to Louisiana?
Illinois sees milder summers but colder winters than Louisiana: summer highs average 86°F versus 92°F, and winter lows average 17°F versus 39°F. Annual snowfall runs 22 inches in Illinois compared to 0 inches in Louisiana, so factor that into your planning. Pack accordingly for the shift.
How long does it take to move from Louisiana to Illinois?
A full-service Louisiana to Illinois move typically takes 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.
Should I ship my car when moving from Louisiana to Illinois?
Whether to ship your car or drive it comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for a Louisiana to Illinois 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 Louisiana at Louisiana's official regulatorandin Illinois at Illinois's official regulator.
Popular Louisiana to Illinois moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Louisiana to Illinois corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Louisiana to Illinois: the bottom line
The cost to move from Louisiana to Illinois depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 80% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 853-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.