How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to GA move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 100 Illinois 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 Illinois to Georgia?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Georgia.
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 |
$1,124 – $4,021 |
$720 – $1,822 |
$533 – $1,015 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,270 – $5,521 |
$1,295 – $2,794 |
$575 – $1,194 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,513 – $7,335 |
$1,866 – $3,477 |
$735 – $1,569 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 842-mile move from IL to
GA 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 Illinois to Georgia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Georgia,
you can expect prices to land between $1,124
and $4,021.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,270 to
$5,521 for the trip from IL
to GA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,513 and
$7,335.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Georgia
Moving containers from Illinois to Georgia
will cost you $720 to
$1,822 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,295
to $2,794. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,866 to
$3,477.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Georgia
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
$533
and $1,015
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 $1,194.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$735
to $1,569.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to GA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Georgia. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
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 Illinois 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 IL to GA
Making the move from Illinois to Georgia means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Georgia
A clear look at the cost differences between Illinois and Georgia helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Illinois |
Georgia |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$1,221 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$326,617 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$71,355 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
91 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
7.32% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
5.49% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from Illinois to Georgia.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Georgia are usually around 31% higher than what you’ll find in Illinois.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 9% lower Georgia than in Illinois.
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Since living costs in Georgia and Illinois 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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With an unemployment rate around 32% lower than Illinois, Georgia offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in Georgia is 17% lower than in Illinois. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Georgia could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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State income taxes in Georgia are 11% higher than in Illinois, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Georgia vs. Illinois
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 Georgia and Illinois compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Georgia |
Illinois |
| Population |
11,029,227 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 51-49 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
90ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
33ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
1″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
20.58 |
19.7 |
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The population of Georgia is about 12% smaller than that of Illinois.
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, Georgia voted Democrat, while Illinois chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 90°F in Georgia, compared to 86°F in Illinois.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Georgia has winter lows around 33°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Georgia versus only 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Georgia, you’ll get about 1 inch of snow each year, far less than Illinois.
That means moving to Georgia will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Both Georgia and Illinois have similar crime rates (19.7).
Keep in mind, though, that crime rates can differ significantly from one city or neighborhood to another, so be sure to check local statistics for more accurate information.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Georgia
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Georgia compared to Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Georgia |
| Home of chicago |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Delicious food |
Pleasant weather |
| World-class sports culture |
Home of atlanta |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Georgia
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Illinois to Georgia:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Georgia |
| Harsh winter weather |
Hot humid summers |
| Bad traffic |
Pollen |
| High crime rate |
Insects |
| Dull landscape |
High crime rate |
| Strict laws |
Poor healthcare |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Georgia 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.
-
State licensing:
Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Georgia 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia 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. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company 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 Georgia
You’ll have plenty to explore in Georgia! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Georgia
- Tybee Island Light Station And Museum
- Augusta Canal Discovery Center
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
- Hay House
Parks in Georgia
- Amicalola Falls State Park
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
Sports teams in Georgia
- Atlanta Blaze (MLL)
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
Universities in Georgia
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Emory University
- Kennesaw State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Georgia?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Georgia?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Georgia?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Illinois for Georgia, drawn by advantages like ample economic opportunity and beautiful landscapes that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Georgia?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Georgia.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 24% lower than in Georgia.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Georgia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Georgia?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Georgia, you should aim to make around $92,416.
On average, expect to spend about $2,350 per month, or $5,179 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Atlanta and Columbus generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Many movers in Illinois publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Illinois to Georgia, budget between $2,270–$5,521 for full-service movers, around
$2,044 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$884
for a rental truck.
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