How we chose the best moving companies for your FL to IL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 228 Florida 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 Florida to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Florida 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 |
$1,015 – $4,257 |
$852 – $2,124 |
$758 – $1,430 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,232 – $5,085 |
$1,524 – $3,149 |
$749 – $1,702 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,928 – $7,285 |
$2,167 – $4,209 |
$1,001 – $1,994 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,184-mile move from FL 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 Florida to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Florida to Illinois,
you can expect prices to land between $1,015
and $4,257.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,232 to
$5,085 for the trip from FL
to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,928 and
$7,285.
Cost of moving containers from Florida to Illinois
Moving containers from Florida to Illinois
will cost you $852 to
$2,124 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,524
to $3,149. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $2,167 to
$4,209.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida 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
$758
and $1,430
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $749
to $1,702.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$1,001
to $1,994.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from FL to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Florida 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 Florida 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 FL to IL
Making the move from Florida to Illinois means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Florida vs. Illinois
A clear look at the cost differences between Florida 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:
|
Florida |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,444 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$392,176 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$67,917 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
102 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
7.08% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
4.95% |
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You’ll pay about 18% less in rent in Illinois compared to Florida, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Illinois are around 36% lower than in Florida. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 15% higher in Illinois than in Florida, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Illinois costs about 12% less than in Florida. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 83% higher than in Florida. 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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Sales taxes are 25% higher in Illinois than in Florida, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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Illinois has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Florida
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 Florida compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Illinois |
Florida |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
22,610,726 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
49ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
55″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
0″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
21.39 |
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The population of Illinois is about 44% smaller than that of Florida.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Florida chose Republican.
-
Summer highs average 86°F in Illinois, compared to 91°F in Florida.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
In winter, Illinois reaches lows near 17°F, colder than 49°F in Florida.
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 55 inches of rainfall in Florida.
Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
-
Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow each year, while Florida sees none.
Moving to Illinois means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
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Moving to Illinois means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Florida’s 21.39, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Florida 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 Florida:
| Pros of living in Florida |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Fantastic weather |
Home of chicago |
| Abundant water recreational activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| World-leading entertainment |
Delicious food |
| Beautiful flora and fauna |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Florida 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 Florida to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Florida |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
| Poor healthcare |
Bad traffic |
| Natural disasters |
High crime rate |
| Heat and humidity |
Dull landscape |
| High crime rate |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Florida 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.
-
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.
-
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 Florida to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Florida to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Florida to Illinois?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Florida 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 Florida or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Florida.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 36% lower than in Florida.
The tax rate is about the same between Florida and Illinois.
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 Florida?
Many movers in Florida publish special-rate programs:
2 honor AAA member discounts;
11 offer military-specific savings;
13 extend deals for seniors;
3 provide student pricing;
2 have educator discounts;
2 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 Florida to Illinois, budget between $2,232–$5,085 for full-service movers, around
$2,336 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,225
for a rental truck.
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