For a move from Illinois to Colorado, budget between $2,291–$5,387 for full-service movers, around
$2,123 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,033
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Colorado?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,136 – $4,354 | $765 – $2,041 | $670 – $1,151 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,291 – $5,387 | $1,430 – $2,816 | $655 – $1,411 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,831 – $7,353 | $2,006 – $3,705 | $840 – $1,822 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,136 – $4,354
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,291 – $5,387
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,831 – $7,353
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Colorado?
- Small move: $765 – $2,041
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,430 – $2,816
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,006 – $3,705
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $670 – $1,151
- 2–3 bedrooms: $655 – $1,411
- 4+ bedrooms: $840 – $1,822
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 1,010-mile move from IL to CO 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 CO?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 7.81% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
Will rent be more expensive in Colorado?
Rent is about 35% higher in Colorado than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,594
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 117% higher in Colorado than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $541,072
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 12% higher in Colorado than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $87,598
Is the overall cost of living higher in Colorado?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Colorado.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 91
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 11% lower in Colorado than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 7.81%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 11% higher in Colorado than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 5.49%
How is daily life different in Colorado compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Colorado | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,877,610 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 54-46 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 16″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 63″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 36.4 | 19.7 |
Will Colorado feel more crowded than Illinois?
Colorado is about 53% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Colorado voted Democrat while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (13°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Colorado?
Rain: Colorado gets less rain (16″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Colorado gets more snow (63 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Colorado safer than Illinois?
Colorado has a higher crime index than Illinois (36.4 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Colorado?
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Colorado move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Colorado moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Colorado right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you’re hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Colorado?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Colorado moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Colorado?
You don’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you’re hiring or explore 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.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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