How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to DE move
After studying pricing from 100 Illinois movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Delaware?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Delaware.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,071 – $3,899 |
$773 – $1,916 |
$544 – $1,102 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,205 – $5,180 |
$1,349 – $2,825 |
$625 – $1,259 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,568 – $7,411 |
$1,776 – $3,591 |
$752 – $1,606 |
*Estimated costs for a 853-mile move from IL to
DE are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Delaware
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Delaware will cost between
$1,071 and
$3,899.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to DE will
range from $2,205 to
$5,180, and a large move from Illinois
to Delaware will cost from $3,568
to $7,411.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Delaware
If you’re moving from Illinois to Delaware,
expect to pay between $773
and $1,916 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,349 up to
$2,825.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,776 and
$3,591. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Delaware
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$544 and
$1,102.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $625
and $1,259. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $752 up to
$1,606 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to DE
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to Delaware. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to DE
A relocation from Illinois to Delaware comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Delaware
Comparing expenses in Illinois and Delaware shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Illinois |
Delaware |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$1,286 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$388,654 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$79,325 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
0.0% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
6.6% |
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Rent in Delaware is approximately 9% higher than in Illinois, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 56% higher in Delaware than in Illinois.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Delaware and Illinois.
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Moving to Delaware means you’ll be paying 11% more than you did in Illinois. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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With an unemployment rate about 43% lower than Illinois, Delaware boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Delaware doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on regular purchases compared to Illinois.
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Income taxes are 33% higher in Delaware than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Delaware vs. Illinois
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Delaware stacks up against Illinois across important lifestyle factors:
|
Delaware |
Illinois |
| Population |
1,031,890 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 57-43 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
45″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
13″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
23.48 |
19.7 |
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With a population about 92% smaller than Illinois, Delaware offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both Illinois and Delaware supported the Democratic candidate.
-
In Delaware, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Illinois sits at 86°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Delaware bottoms out around 25°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
A move to Delaware with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
In Delaware, you’ll get about 45 inches of rain each year, while Illinois sees around 40 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Delaware, you can expect about 13 inches of snow each year, much less than the 22 inches you’d deal with in Illinois.
So, if you’re moving to Delaware, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
Delaware has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 23.48 vs. 19.7.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Delaware
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Delaware versus Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Delaware |
| Home of chicago |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
High-quality healthcare |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious food |
Beautiful beaches |
| World-class sports culture |
Rich culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Delaware
Moving from Illinois to Delaware comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Delaware |
| Harsh winter weather |
Hurricanes |
| Bad traffic |
High crime rate |
| High crime rate |
Overcrowding |
| Dull landscape |
High cost of living |
| Strict laws |
Limited public transportation |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Delaware move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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State licensing:
Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Delaware moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Delaware, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Delaware without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Delaware
Get ready to discover all that Delaware has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Delaware
- Nemours Estate
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Hagley Museum And Library
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park
Parks in Delaware
- Glasgow Park
- Battery Park
- First State Heritage Park
- Iron Hill Park
- Browns Branch County Park
Sports teams in Delaware
- Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)
- Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (NCAA)
- Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)
- Southern Delaware Rollergirls (WFTDA)
Universities in Delaware
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wilmington University
- Goldey-Beacom College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Delaware?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Delaware?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Delaware?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Delaware are the amazing upsides of living in Delaware, such as bountiful recreational opportunities and high-quality healthcare.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Delaware?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Delaware.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 8% less and home prices 36% lower than in Delaware.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Delaware residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Delaware?
You should make approximately $59,688 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Delaware.
The cost of living in Delaware is about $3,428 per month for an individual and $6,148 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Wilmington and Dover tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Some movers in Illinois provide budget-friendly deals.
In Illinois, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Illinois to Delaware, expect to spend between
$2,205–$5,180 if using professional movers, about
$2,087 for a moving container, and around
$942
for a rental truck.
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