Moving from Minnesota to Illinois ($1,210-$6,040)
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The cost to move from Minnesota to Illinois ranges from $1,210 to $6,040 with full-service movers, based on 681 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific Minnesota to Illinois route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to Illinois?
The average cost of moving from Minnesota to Illinois with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,210 to $6,040 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 681 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 624 miles.
The final price of your Minnesota to Illinois move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 - $3,840 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,290 - $6,040 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,060 - $8,250 |
How much do moving containers cost from Minnesota to Illinois?
A moving container from Minnesota to Illinois costs between $710 and $3,250, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,290 to $2,570, roughly 55% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 624-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $710 - $1,750 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,290 - $2,570 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,800 - $3,250 |
51% of movers in Minnesota offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from Minnesota to Illinois?
A rental truck from Minnesota to Illinois costs between $480 and $1,310. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $510 to $1,050, about 85% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Minnesota averaging $2.87 per gallon, fuel for the 624-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $480 - $910 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $510 - $1,050 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $670 - $1,310 |
Add-on costs for a Minnesota to Illinois move
Most Minnesota to Illinois estimates start as a base transport figure and climb from there as accessorials get attached. Knowing which ones actually apply to a 624-mile move is the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on delivery day.
At 624 miles, a Minnesota to Illinois move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in Illinois. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Cost of living is close between Minnesota and Illinois, so accessorial pricing on this route lands near national averages at both ends. Distance, not local labor rates, is what drives the numbers below.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Minnesota to Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $520 - $1,360 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $400 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $830 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $260 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $350 - $550 |
| 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 line item most worth the money on a 624-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Minnesota to Illinois estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
82% of movers in Minnesota handle piano moves, 22% handle pool tables, and 45% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 33% of Minnesota movers require a deposit to book, and 27% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended Minnesota to Illinois Movers
These movers average a 86% positive review rate among Minnesota movers we track.
Compare movers for your Minnesota to Illinois move
We track and rate long-distance movers based in Minnesota year-round — here's how the top options for a Illinois move stack up against each other:
24% of Minnesota movers we track offer instant online quotes, below the 45% national average, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN 55119
121 N Washington Ave Suite 229, Minneapolis, MN 55401
416 Northeast 35th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55418
4121 US-14, Rochester, MN 55901
3401 West Burnsville Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337
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Alternate Minnesota to Illinois moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Minnesota 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 85% 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 Minnesota run $59 - $79 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Illinois end. 55% of movers in Minnesota offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Minnesota 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 $324 - $827 to rent in Minnesota, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 681 real quotes from Minnesota to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Illinois to Minnesota guide.
Minnesota to Illinois cost of living comparison
Moving from Minnesota to Illinois means adjusting to a different cost of living, job market, and housing landscape. Our moving trends data across major U.S. routes shows these are the factors that most commonly shape a relocation like this one:
| Factor | Minnesota | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 94 | 90 |
| Average household income | $84,313 | $78,433 |
| Median home value | $334,119 | $249,224 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 4.95% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,178 | $1,179 |
| Average sales tax | 8.03% | 8.82% |
| Crime index | 22.47 | 19.7 |
| College graduation rate | 38.9% | 37.14% |
| Population | 5,737,915 | 12,549,689 |
The cost of living in Illinois is comparable to Minnesota, 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 Minnesota to Illinois
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $140 - $660 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Among Minnesota movers, 2.04% offer a military discount, 4.08% offer a senior discount, and 8.16% offer an AAA discount. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
How does the cost of living in Illinois compare to Minnesota?
Illinois's cost of living index of 90 is about the same as Minnesota's 94 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel familiar. Average rent runs $1,178 in Minnesota versus $1,179 in Illinois. Crime index is 22.47 in Minnesota vs 19.7 in Illinois. 37.14% of Illinois adults hold a college degree, versus 38.9% in Minnesota.
What's the cheapest way to move from Minnesota to Illinois?
A rental truck is cheapest: $510 - $1,050 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 85% less than full-service. At 624 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $203 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,290 - $2,570, about 55% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
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 Minnesota at Minnesota's official regulatorandin Illinois at Illinois's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Minnesota 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.
Popular Minnesota to Illinois moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Illinois: the bottom line
The cost to move from Minnesota to Illinois ranges from $1,210 - $6,040 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 85% less for the same move. For most people making this 624-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.
