For a move from Missouri to Illinois, budget between $1,503–$4,144 for full-service movers, around
$1,461 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$461
for a rental truck.
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Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Missouri to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $871 – $2,799 | $547 – $1,346 | $291 – $526 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,503 – $4,144 | $1,004 – $1,919 | $294 – $629 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,989 – $5,623 | $1,406 – $2,549 | $372 – $726 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $871 – $2,799
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,503 – $4,144
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,989 – $5,623
How much do moving containers cost from Missouri to Illinois?
- Small move: $547 – $1,346
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,004 – $1,919
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,406 – $2,549
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $291 – $526
- 2–3 bedrooms: $294 – $629
- 4+ bedrooms: $372 – $726
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 273-mile move from MO to IL 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 MO to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Missouri | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $957 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $248,327 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,920 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 4.03% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 23% higher in Illinois than in Missouri.
Avg rent: $957 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Missouri and Illinois.
Avg home value: $248,327 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 19% higher in Illinois than in Missouri.
Avg income (per capita): $65,920 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Missouri and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 88 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 119% higher in Illinois than in Missouri.
Avg sales tax: 4.03% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in Missouri and Illinois.
State income tax: 4.8% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Missouri?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Illinois | Missouri | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 6,196,156 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 59-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 43″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 13″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 28.28 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Missouri?
Illinois is about 103% more populous than Missouri — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Missouri voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 88°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (17°F vs. 20°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (40″ vs. 43″).
Snow: Illinois gets more snow (22 inches vs. 13 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Missouri?
Illinois has a lower crime index than Missouri (19.7 vs. 28.28), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Illinois?
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Missouri to Illinois 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Illinois moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, 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 Illinois 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Illinois moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Illinois?
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Missouri offer discounts: 3 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.
Helpful moving resources
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