How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to IL move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 37 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Illinois.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| 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 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 258-mile move from IA to
IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Illinois typically costs between
$846 and
$2,912.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,474
and $4,096
when moving from IA to IL.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Illinois,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,089
up to $5,678.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Illinois,
you’ll typically spend between $565
and $1,360 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,056 up to
$2,037.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,310 and
$2,376. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$294 and
$516.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$307 to
$599.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $372 and
$698.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to IL
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Illinois. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to IL
Transitioning from Iowa to Illinois gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Illinois
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Illinois are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
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% |
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Rent is about 29% more expensive in Illinois than in Iowa. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Illinois are roughly 13% higher than in Iowa.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 11% more in Illinois than in Iowa. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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With a similar cost of living in both Iowa and Illinois, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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Unemployment in Illinois is about 77% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Sales tax in Illinois runs 27% higher than in Iowa, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes are 12% higher in Illinois compared to Iowa. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Illinois and Iowa compare.
|
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 |
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If you’re moving from Iowa to Illinois, you’ll find Illinois has about 291% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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In the last presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Iowa supported Republican.
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The average summer high in Illinois is 86°F, while Iowa averages 84°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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In winter, Illinois drops only to 17°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
In Illinois, you’ll experience about 40 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
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In Illinois, it only snows about 22 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches.
Moving to Illinois, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Illinois has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 19.7 compared to 16.18.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Illinois
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Illinois to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Low cost of living |
Home of chicago |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Ample economic opportunity |
| High quality of education |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| No traffic |
Delicious food |
| Beautiful outdoors |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Illinois
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Severe weather conditions |
Harsh winter weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Bad traffic |
| High taxes |
High crime rate |
| High emphasis on politics |
Dull landscape |
| Rustic food |
Strict laws |
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.
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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 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.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Illinois, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, 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:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Illinois
Get excited to explore Illinois. Don’t miss these top spots 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 Iowa to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Illinois?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
Iowa to
Illinois
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Illinois?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Illinois to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Illinois has to offer, like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Illinois?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Illinois.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 22% less and home prices 12% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
Planning to move to Illinois? A single adult should aim for an income of around $83,234 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $3,434 for an individual, or $7,489 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa:
1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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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.
Fact Checked by:
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