Best Movers From Iowa to Illinois (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from Iowa to Illinois, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,474 to
$4,096, roughly
$1,546 for a container move, and close to
$453
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$846 — $4,096 Top local mover
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$846 — $5,678 Top long-distance mover
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$565 — $2,376 Top container company
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$294 — $698 Top truck rental
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$60 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Iowa to Illinois
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from Iowa to Illinois.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to Illinois
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 14, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 01, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 01, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 23, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $846 – $2,912 | $565 – $1,360 | $294 – $516 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,474 – $4,096 | $1,056 – $2,037 | $307 – $599 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,089 – $5,678 | $1,310 – $2,376 | $372 – $698 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $846 – $2,912
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,474 – $4,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,089 – $5,678
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Illinois?
- Small move: $565 – $1,360
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,056 – $2,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,310 – $2,376
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $294 – $516
- 2–3 bedrooms: $307 – $599
- 4+ bedrooms: $372 – $698
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 258-mile move from IA 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 IA to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 29% higher in Illinois than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 13% higher in Illinois than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 11% higher in Illinois than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Iowa and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 27% higher in Illinois than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 12% higher in Illinois than in Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Iowa?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 16.18 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Iowa?
Illinois is about 291% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Illinois is milder on average (17°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (40″ vs. 35″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Iowa?
Illinois has a higher crime index than Iowa (19.7 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
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 Iowa to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Illinois, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage 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.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
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?
No moving permit is required in Illinois.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include basic insurance 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.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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