Best Movers From Alabama to Illinois (2025 Cost Data)
For a move from Alabama to Illinois, budget between $2,334–$5,699 for full-service movers, around
$1,992 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$847
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,161 — $5,699 Top local mover
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$1,161 — $8,318 Top long-distance mover
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$733 — $3,269 Top container company
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$492 — $1,425 Top truck rental
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$61 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Alabama to Illinois
From our evaluation of 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team identified 2,641 (83%) that handle interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts selected the top companies prepared to handle your move from Alabama to Illinois.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Alabama to Illinois
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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5+ Bedrooms
Oct 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 22, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 19, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 02, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,161 – $3,886 | $733 – $1,829 | $492 – $905 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,334 – $5,699 | $1,320 – $2,665 | $575 – $1,119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,878 – $8,318 | $1,821 – $3,269 | $719 – $1,425 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,161 – $3,886
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,334 – $5,699
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,878 – $8,318
How much do moving containers cost from Alabama to Illinois?
- Small move: $733 – $1,829
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,320 – $2,665
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,821 – $3,269
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $492 – $905
- 2–3 bedrooms: $575 – $1,119
- 4+ bedrooms: $719 – $1,425
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 727-mile move from AL to IL 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 AL to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Alabama | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $925 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $227,508 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,609 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 88 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 9.22% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 27% higher in Illinois than in Alabama.
Avg rent: $925 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 10% higher in Illinois than in Alabama.
Avg home value: $227,508 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 32% higher in Illinois than in Alabama.
Avg income (per capita): $59,609 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Alabama and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 88 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Alabama and Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 9.22% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in Alabama and Illinois.
State income tax: 5.0% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Alabama?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Illinois | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 21.48 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Alabama?
Illinois is about 146% more populous than Alabama — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Alabama voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Illinois is colder on average (17°F vs. 33°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets less rain (40″ vs. 56″).
Snow: Illinois gets more snow (22 inches vs. 1 inch).
Is Illinois safer than Alabama?
Illinois has a lower crime index than Alabama (19.7 vs. 21.48), 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 Alabama 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance 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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
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.
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 basic insurance 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 Alabama offer discounts: 2 military discounts; 1 senior discounts; 5 student discounts; 1 educator discounts; 1 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
Alabama moving services
Popular Alabama routes
Popular moving resources
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