When moving from Illinois to Arizona, you’ll likely pay between $2,653–$6,074 with professional movers, roughly
$2,667 for a moving container, and about
$1,446
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Arizona?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,191 – $4,431 | $949 – $2,432 | $907 – $1,773 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,653 – $6,074 | $1,644 – $3,690 | $924 – $1,968 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,066 – $8,768 | $2,333 – $4,508 | $1,151 – $2,529 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,191 – $4,431
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,653 – $6,074
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,066 – $8,768
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Arizona?
- Small move: $949 – $2,432
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,644 – $3,690
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,333 – $4,508
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $907 – $1,773
- 2–3 bedrooms: $924 – $1,968
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,529
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,545-mile move from IL to AZ using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to AZ?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,308 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $428,711 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $72,581 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 107 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 8.4% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 2.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Arizona?
Rent is about 11% higher in Arizona than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,308
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 72% higher in Arizona than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $428,711
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in Arizona than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $72,581
Is the overall cost of living higher in Arizona?
The cost of living is 19% higher in Arizona than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 107
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Illinois and Arizona.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 8.4%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 49% lower in Arizona than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 2.5%
How is daily life different in Arizona compared to Illinois?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Arizona | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,431,344 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 56-44 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 99ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 34ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 24.89 | 19.7 |
Will Arizona feel more crowded than Illinois?
Arizona is about 41% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Arizona is hotter on average (99°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Arizona is milder on average (34°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Arizona?
Rain: Arizona gets less rain (12″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Arizona gets less snow (6 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Arizona safer than Illinois?
Arizona has a higher crime index than Illinois (24.89 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Arizona?
Museums in Arizona
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Commemorative Air Force Museum
- Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Jerome State Historic Park
Parks in Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument
- Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
- Petrified Forest National Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Saguaro National Park
Sports teams in Arizona
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
Universities in Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- University of Arizona
- American Indian College
- Carrington College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Arizona move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Arizona, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Arizona right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Arizona?
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Arizona moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Arizona?
You don’t need a moving permit in Arizona, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
