How Much Do Illinois Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Illinois is $192 per hour, with an average total move cost between $521 and $6,158. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your Illinois move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your Illinois move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in IL — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in Illinois
The cost to hire a Illinois moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in Illinois.
Cost to move a home in Illinois
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $521 | $269 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $790 | $269 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,382 | $377 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,415 | $527 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,942 | $527 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,158 | $738 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Illinois to move a studio apartment is $521. You'll need two movers for three hours at $269 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $790 for local Illinois movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $269 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire Illinois movers to move a two-bedroom home is $1,382. You'll need three movers for five hours at $377 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $3,415 for local Illinois movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $527 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Illinois will cost $3,942, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $527 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Illinois movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $6,158. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $738 per hour.
City moving costs in Illinois
- Cost of Addison movers
- Cost of Algonquin movers
- Cost of Alsip movers
- Cost of Alton movers
- Cost of Antioch movers
- Cost of Arlington Heights movers
- Cost of Aurora movers
- Cost of Barrington movers
- Cost of Bartlett movers
- Cost of Batavia movers
- Cost of Beach Park movers
- Cost of Belleville movers
- Cost of Bellwood movers
- Cost of Belvidere movers
- Cost of Bensenville movers
- Cost of Berwyn movers
- Cost of Bloomingdale movers
- Cost of Bloomington movers
- Cost of Blue Island movers
- Cost of Bolingbrook movers
- Cost of Bourbonnais movers
- Cost of Bradley movers
- Cost of Bridgeview movers
- Cost of Brookfield movers
- Cost of Buffalo Grove movers
- Cost of Burbank movers
- Cost of Burr Ridge movers
- Cost of Cahokia movers
- Cost of Calumet City movers
- Cost of Campton Hills movers
- Cost of Canton movers
- Cost of Carbondale movers
- Cost of Carol Stream movers
- Cost of Carpentersville movers
- Cost of Cary movers
- Cost of Centralia movers
- Cost of Champaign movers
- Cost of Channahon movers
- Cost of Charleston movers
- Cost of Chatham movers
- Cost of Chicago movers
- Cost of Chicago Heights movers
- Cost of Chicago Ridge movers
- Cost of Cicero movers
- Cost of Collinsville movers
- Cost of Columbia movers
- Cost of Country Club Hills movers
- Cost of Crest Hill movers
- Cost of Crestwood movers
- Cost of Crystal Lake movers
- Cost of Danville movers
- Cost of Darien movers
- Cost of DeKalb movers
- Cost of Decatur movers
- Cost of Deerfield movers
- Cost of Des Plaines movers
- Cost of Dixon movers
- Cost of Dolton movers
- Cost of Downers Grove movers
- Cost of East Moline movers
- Cost of East Peoria movers
- Cost of East St. Louis movers
- Cost of Edwardsville movers
- Cost of Effingham movers
- Cost of Elgin movers
- Cost of Elk Grove Village movers
- Cost of Elmhurst movers
- Cost of Elmwood Park movers
- Cost of Evanston movers
- Cost of Evergreen Park movers
- Cost of Fairview Heights movers
- Cost of Forest Park movers
- Cost of Fox Lake movers
- Cost of Frankfort movers
- Cost of Franklin Park movers
- Cost of Freeport movers
- Cost of Gages Lake movers
- Cost of Galesburg movers
- Cost of Geneva movers
- Cost of Glen Carbon movers
- Cost of Glen Ellyn movers
- Cost of Glendale Heights movers
- Cost of Glenview movers
- Cost of Godfrey movers
- Cost of Granite City movers
- Cost of Grayslake movers
- Cost of Gurnee movers
- Cost of Hanover Park movers
- Cost of Harvey movers
- Cost of Hazel Crest movers
- Cost of Herrin movers
- Cost of Hickory Hills movers
- Cost of Highland movers
- Cost of Highland Park movers
- Cost of Hinsdale movers
- Cost of Hoffman Estates movers
- Cost of Homer Glen movers
- Cost of Homewood movers
- Cost of Huntley movers
- Cost of Jacksonville movers
- Cost of Joliet movers
- Cost of Justice movers
- Cost of Kankakee movers
- Cost of Kewanee movers
- Cost of La Grange movers
- Cost of La Grange Park movers
- Cost of Lake Forest movers
- Cost of Lake Zurich movers
- Cost of Lake in the Hills movers
- Cost of Lansing movers
- Cost of Lemont movers
- Cost of Libertyville movers
- Cost of Lincoln movers
- Cost of Lincolnwood movers
- Cost of Lindenhurst movers
- Cost of Lisle movers
- Cost of Lockport movers
- Cost of Lombard movers
- Cost of Loves Park movers
- Cost of Lyons movers
- Cost of Machesney Park movers
- Cost of Macomb movers
- Cost of Marion movers
- Cost of Markham movers
- Cost of Matteson movers
- Cost of Mattoon movers
- Cost of Maywood movers
- Cost of McHenry movers
- Cost of Melrose Park movers
- Cost of Midlothian movers
- Cost of Minooka movers
- Cost of Mokena movers
- Cost of Moline movers
- Cost of Montgomery movers
- Cost of Morris movers
- Cost of Morton movers
- Cost of Morton Grove movers
- Cost of Mount Prospect movers
- Cost of Mount Vernon movers
- Cost of Mundelein movers
- Cost of Naperville movers
- Cost of New Lenox movers
- Cost of Niles movers
- Cost of Normal movers
- Cost of Norridge movers
- Cost of North Aurora movers
- Cost of North Chicago movers
- Cost of Northbrook movers
- Cost of Northlake movers
- Cost of O'Fallon movers
- Cost of Oak Forest movers
- Cost of Oak Lawn movers
- Cost of Oak Park movers
- Cost of Orland Park movers
- Cost of Oswego movers
- Cost of Ottawa movers
- Cost of Palatine movers
- Cost of Palos Heights movers
- Cost of Palos Hills movers
- Cost of Park Forest movers
- Cost of Park Ridge movers
- Cost of Pekin movers
- Cost of Peoria movers
- Cost of Plainfield movers
- Cost of Plano movers
- Cost of Pontiac movers
- Cost of Prospect Heights movers
- Cost of Quincy movers
- Cost of Rantoul movers
- Cost of Richton Park movers
- Cost of River Forest movers
- Cost of River Grove movers
- Cost of Riverdale movers
- Cost of Rock Island movers
- Cost of Rockford movers
- Cost of Rolling Meadows movers
- Cost of Romeoville movers
- Cost of Roscoe movers
- Cost of Roselle movers
- Cost of Round Lake movers
- Cost of Round Lake Beach movers
- Cost of Schaumburg movers
- Cost of Schiller Park movers
- Cost of Shiloh movers
- Cost of Shorewood movers
- Cost of Skokie movers
- Cost of South Elgin movers
- Cost of South Holland movers
- Cost of Springfield movers
- Cost of St. Charles movers
- Cost of Sterling movers
- Cost of Streamwood movers
- Cost of Streator movers
- Cost of Summit movers
- Cost of Swansea movers
- Cost of Sycamore movers
- Cost of Taylorville movers
- Cost of Tinley Park movers
- Cost of Troy movers
- Cost of Urbana movers
- Cost of Vernon Hills movers
- Cost of Villa Park movers
- Cost of Warrenville movers
- Cost of Washington movers
- Cost of Waterloo movers
- Cost of Wauconda movers
- Cost of Waukegan movers
- Cost of West Chicago movers
- Cost of Westchester movers
- Cost of Western Springs movers
- Cost of Westmont movers
- Cost of Wheaton movers
- Cost of Wheeling movers
- Cost of Wilmette movers
- Cost of Winnetka movers
- Cost of Wood Dale movers
- Cost of Wood River movers
- Cost of Woodridge movers
- Cost of Woodstock movers
- Cost of Worth movers
- Cost of Yorkville movers
- Cost of Zion movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Illinois
The cost of an interstate move from Illinois to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Illinois
- Illinois to California: $3,658–$6,069
- Illinois to New York: $2,556–$5,815
- Illinois to Texas: $2,554–$5,638
- Illinois to Arizona: $2,987–$6,070
- Illinois to Pennsylvania: $2,218–$4,975
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Illinois should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance moving movers in Illinois.
Best interstate moving companies in Illinois
These are the best interstate moving companies available in Illinois:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in Illinois
Staying in Illinois and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in Illinois.
- New City Moving: 5 out of 5
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5
- Amenity Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.86 out of 5
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your Illinois move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Illinois move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Illinois.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Illinois to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your Illinois move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Illinois move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Illinois between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in Illinois
- The cost index in Illinois is 90. This means it’s about 10% less expensive than the national average.
- The average rent in Illinois for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,038 which is 21.72% lower than the national average.
- The average home value in Illinois is $249,224 which is about 30.00% less expensive than the national average.
- The average income in Illinois is $78,433 which is about 20.68% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in Illinois
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in Illinois is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in Illinois to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one Illinois location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in Illinois for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from Illinois. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in Illinois?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in IL:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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Things to know about your Illinois move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about your move.
- State Licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
- Mover's Insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
Tips to save money on your Illinois move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Illinois move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Illinois move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Illinois?
The cheapest way to move within Illinois is by using a DIY option. For some people in Illinois, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Illinois, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
Helpful Illinois resources
Illinois Moving services
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