How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to IL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 47 Alabama moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Alabama to Illinois.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| 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 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 727-mile move from AL to
IL using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Alabama to Illinois,
you can expect prices to land between $1,161
and $3,886.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,334 to
$5,699 for the trip from AL
to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,878 and
$8,318.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Illinois
Moving containers from Alabama to Illinois
will cost you $733 to
$1,829 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,320
to $2,665. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,821 to
$3,269.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$492
and $905
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $575
to $1,119.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$719
to $1,425.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Alabama to Illinois. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Alabama generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from AL to IL
Making the move from Alabama to Illinois means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Illinois
A clear look at the cost differences between Alabama and Illinois helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
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% |
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Rent in Illinois is about 27% higher than in Alabama. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Illinois are usually around 10% higher than what you’ll find in Alabama.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 32% higher in Illinois than in Alabama, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Since living costs in Illinois and Alabama are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 83% higher than in Alabama. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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No need to worry about sales tax since rates are similar in Alabama and Illinois.
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Your income tax rates will be similar in Alabama and Illinois, so your paycheck deductions won’t change when you move.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Alabama
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Illinois and Alabama compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
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 |
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Illinois has a population that’s about 146% larger than Alabama.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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In the latest presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Alabama chose Republican.
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Summer highs average 86°F in Illinois, compared to 91°F in Alabama.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
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In winter, Illinois reaches lows near 17°F, colder than 33°F in Alabama.
Colder winters call for preparation, higher heating use, and adapting to brisker conditions — but they also bring a classic winter atmosphere.
-
You can expect only about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
-
Each year, Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow, while Alabama sees only 1 inch.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Moving to Illinois means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Alabama’s 21.48, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to Alabama:
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Low cost of living |
Home of chicago |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Top-notch college football |
Delicious food |
| Rich history |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Illinois
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Alabama to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Poor quality of life |
Harsh winter weather |
| Severe weather |
Bad traffic |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
High crime rate |
| Poor healthcare |
Dull landscape |
| Cockroaches |
Strict laws |
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.
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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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Illinois moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
You’ll have plenty to explore in Illinois! Check out these top spots 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 Alabama to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Illinois?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Alabama for Illinois, drawn by advantages like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Illinois?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Illinois.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 22% less and home prices 9% lower than in Illinois.
However, taxes are
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 1% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Illinois, you should aim to make around $83,234.
On average, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or $7,489 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Alabama?
Many movers in Alabama publish special-rate programs:
2 offer military-specific savings;
1 extend deals for seniors;
5 provide student pricing;
1 have educator discounts;
1 advertise rates for law enforcement personnel.
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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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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