When moving from Illinois to Texas, expect to spend between
$2,200–$5,743 if using professional movers, about
$2,180 for a moving container, and around
$1,026
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Texas?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,156 – $4,632 | $789 – $1,904 | $601 – $1,164 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,200 – $5,743 | $1,403 – $2,957 | $684 – $1,369 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,888 – $7,424 | $1,851 – $3,701 | $849 – $1,734 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,156 – $4,632
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,200 – $5,743
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,888 – $7,424
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Texas?
- Small move: $789 – $1,904
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,403 – $2,957
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,851 – $3,701
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $601 – $1,164
- 2–3 bedrooms: $684 – $1,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $849 – $1,734
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 994-mile move from IL to TX using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 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 TX?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,251 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $300,267 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $73,035 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 8.19% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Texas?
Rent is about 6% higher in Texas than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,251
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 20% higher in Texas than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $300,267
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in Texas than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $73,035
Is the overall cost of living higher in Texas?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Texas.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 93
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 7% lower in Texas than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 8.19%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Texas 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 Texas 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.
| Texas | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,503,301 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-44 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 2″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 27.32 | 19.7 |
Will Texas feel more crowded than Illinois?
Texas is about 143% more populous than Illinois — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Texas voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Texas is hotter on average (94°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Texas is milder on average (36°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Texas?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (36″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Texas gets less snow (2 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Texas safer than Illinois?
Texas has a higher crime index than Illinois (27.32 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Texas?
Museums in Texas
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
- National Museum of the Pacific War
Parks in Texas
- Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
- Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
- Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
- Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
- Garner State Park, Concan
Sports teams in Texas
- Austin FC (MLS)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Wings (WNBA)
Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- The University of Texas at Arlington
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Texas 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Texas moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Texas, 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. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Texas without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- 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 and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Texas?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Texas moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Texas?
You won’t need a moving permit in Texas, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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 moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
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.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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