Best Movers From Illinois to Wisconsin (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, you’ll likely pay between $1,402–$4,143 with professional movers, roughly
$1,561 for a moving container, and about
$454
for a rental truck.
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$813 — $4,143 Top local mover
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$813 — $5,241 Top long-distance mover
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$553 — $2,499 Top container company
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$277 — $733 Top truck rental
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$61 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
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Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Illinois to Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to Wisconsin
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 06, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 14, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Wisconsin?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $813 – $2,881 | $553 – $1,387 | $277 – $500 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,402 – $4,143 | $1,066 – $2,057 | $304 – $605 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,854 – $5,241 | $1,406 – $2,499 | $376 – $733 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $813 – $2,881
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,402 – $4,143
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,854 – $5,241
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Wisconsin?
- Small move: $553 – $1,387
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,066 – $2,057
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,406 – $2,499
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $277 – $500
- 2–3 bedrooms: $304 – $605
- 4+ bedrooms: $376 – $733
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 265-mile move from IL to WI 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 WI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,100 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $306,566 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $72,458 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 5.43% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 7.65% |
Will rent be more expensive in Wisconsin?
Rent is about 7% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,100
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 23% higher in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $306,566
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 8% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $72,458
Is the overall cost of living higher in Wisconsin?
The cost of living is 10% higher in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 99
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 38% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 5.43%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 55% higher in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 7.65%
How is daily life different in Wisconsin compared to Illinois?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Wisconsin | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,910,955 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 16.82 | 19.7 |
Will Wisconsin feel more crowded than Illinois?
Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin 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: Wisconsin is colder on average (7°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Wisconsin?
Rain: Wisconsin gets less rain (34″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Wisconsin gets more snow (48 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Wisconsin safer than Illinois?
Wisconsin has a lower crime index than Illinois (16.82 vs. 19.7), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Wisconsin?
Museums in Wisconsin
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Civil War Museum
- Hearthstone Historic House Museum
- Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
Parks in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Deer Park
- Cave Point County Park
- Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Carson Park
- Petrifying Springs Park
Sports teams in Wisconsin
- Green Bay Packers (NFL)
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
- Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League)
- Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
Universities in Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Wisconsin 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: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Wisconsin, 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- 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 Wisconsin?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Wisconsin?
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Wisconsin moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Wisconsin?
You don’t need a moving permit in Wisconsin.
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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
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
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