How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 52 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from South Carolina
to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,123 – $3,939 |
$728 – $1,822 |
$549 – $1,099 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,138 – $5,041 |
$1,308 – $2,714 |
$623 – $1,231 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,513 – $7,544 |
$1,721 – $3,407 |
$713 – $1,539 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 829-mile relocation from SC to
IL, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Illinois
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from South Carolina to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between
$1,123
and $3,939.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,138 and $5,041
for the same journey (SC to IL).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,513
to $7,544.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Illinois
When you’re heading from South Carolina to Illinois, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $728 and
$1,822. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,308 and
$2,714. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,721
to $3,407. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Illinois
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$549
to $1,099.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $623
to $1,231, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from South Carolina to Illinois costs around
$713 to
$1,539.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to IL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from South Carolina to Illinois. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in South Carolina when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from SC to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Illinois
Understanding how costs compare between South Carolina and Illinois can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
South Carolina |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,065 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
7.46% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
7.0% |
4.95% |
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Rent is about 11% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Illinois are about 16% lower than in South Carolina. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
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You’re likely to earn about 23% more in Illinois than in South Carolina. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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The cost of living in Illinois is about 6% lower than in South Carolina. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
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The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 13% higher than in South Carolina. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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Sales taxes are 18% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Illinois are 29% lower than in South Carolina. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Illinois vs. South Carolina
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Illinois and South Carolina line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Illinois |
South Carolina |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
28.0 |
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The population of Illinois is approximately 134% greater than the population of South Carolina.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while South Carolina went Republican.
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In Illinois, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 91°F in South Carolina.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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In the coldest months, Illinois sees lows of 17°F compared to 33°F in South Carolina.
That colder climate means higher heating costs and tougher winters — but also snowy scenery and seasonal activities.
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In Illinois, you’ll get about 40 inches of rain each year — less than the 48 inches you’re used to in South Carolina.
That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
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Each year, Illinois sees about 22 inches of snowfall, while South Carolina averages just 1 inch.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Illinois is a safer choice than South Carolina, boasting a lower crime index of 19.7 compared to 28.0.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Illinois
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Illinois and South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Home of chicago |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Delicious food |
| Rich historical significance |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Illinois
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Carolina for Illinois:
| Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
| Hurricane frequency |
Bad traffic |
| Low quality of healthcare |
High crime rate |
| High taxes |
Dull landscape |
| Abundance of construction |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Illinois 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.
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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 your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, 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. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Illinois
While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Illinois?
An increasing number of people are relocating from South Carolina to Illinois to enjoy all the great benefits Illinois provides, such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in South Carolina.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 11% less and home prices 16% lower than in South Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
Thinking of moving to Illinois on your own? You’ll want to earn around $83,234 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or around $7,489 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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When moving from South Carolina to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,138–$5,041 with professional movers, roughly
$2,011 for a moving container, and about
$927
for a rental truck.
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