Best Movers From Illinois to Michigan (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Illinois to Michigan, you’ll likely pay between $1,636–$4,394 with professional movers, roughly
$1,673 for a moving container, and about
$573
for a rental truck.
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$919 — $4,394 Top local mover
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$919 — $6,673 Top long-distance mover
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$611 — $2,817 Top container company
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$366 — $902 Top truck rental
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$60 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Illinois to Michigan
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Illinois to Michigan.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to Michigan
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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4 Bedrooms
Nov 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 19, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 01, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 30, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 15, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 13, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $919 – $2,767 | $611 – $1,539 | $366 – $667 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,636 – $4,394 | $1,163 – $2,184 | $394 – $752 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,976 – $6,673 | $1,496 – $2,817 | $471 – $902 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $919 – $2,767
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,636 – $4,394
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,976 – $6,673
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Michigan?
- Small move: $611 – $1,539
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,163 – $2,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,496 – $2,817
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $366 – $667
- 2–3 bedrooms: $394 – $752
- 4+ bedrooms: $471 – $902
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 401-mile move from IL to MI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 12% lower in Michigan than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Illinois and Michigan.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 13% lower in Michigan than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Michigan.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 32% lower in Michigan than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 14% lower in Michigan than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to Illinois?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Michigan | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 19.7 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than Illinois?
Michigan is about 20% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (14°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets less rain (34″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Michigan safer than Illinois?
Michigan and Illinois have similar crime rates (19.98 vs. 19.7). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Michigan 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan.
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.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives 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.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
Popular moving resources
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