Best Movers From Illinois to Tennessee (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Illinois to Tennessee, expect to spend between
$1,756–$4,863 if using professional movers, about
$1,707 for a moving container, and around
$632
for a rental truck.
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$1,022 — $4,863 Top local mover
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$1,022 — $7,468 Top long-distance mover
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$661 — $2,867 Top container company
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$396 — $1,014 Top truck rental
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$59 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Illinois to Tennessee
After assessing 3,180 movers, moveBuddha concluded that 2,641 (83%) provide interstate moving. Applying our thorough rating methodology, our experts narrowed the list to the best companies equipped to manage your move from Illinois to Tennessee.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to Tennessee
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 19, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 17, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 12, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Tennessee?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,022 – $2,820 | $661 – $1,602 | $396 – $731 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,756 – $4,863 | $1,181 – $2,233 | $405 – $859 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,296 – $7,468 | $1,617 – $2,867 | $510 – $1,014 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,022 – $2,820
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,756 – $4,863
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,296 – $7,468
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Tennessee?
- Small move: $661 – $1,602
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,181 – $2,233
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,617 – $2,867
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $396 – $731
- 2–3 bedrooms: $405 – $859
- 4+ bedrooms: $510 – $1,014
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 494-mile move from IL to TN 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 TN?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 9.55% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Tennessee?
Rent is about 11% lower in Tennessee than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,047
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 28% higher in Tennessee than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $319,208
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 18% lower in Tennessee than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $64,035
Is the overall cost of living higher in Tennessee?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Tennessee.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 8% higher in Tennessee than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 9.55%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Tennessee has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Tennessee compared to Illinois?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Tennessee | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,126,489 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 5″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 19.7 |
Will Tennessee feel more crowded than Illinois?
Tennessee is about 43% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Tennessee voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (88°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Tennessee is milder on average (27°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Tennessee?
Rain: Tennessee gets more rain (53″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Tennessee gets less snow (5 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Tennessee safer than Illinois?
Tennessee has a higher crime index than Illinois (29.24 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Tennessee?
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Tennessee move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Tennessee moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Tennessee?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Tennessee moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Tennessee?
You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate movers must provide basic insurance at no extra cost. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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