Best Movers From Illinois to Montana (2025 Cost Data)
For a move from Illinois to Montana, budget between $2,753–$6,045 for full-service movers, around
$2,435 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,324
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,176 — $6,045 Top local mover
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$1,176 — $8,522 Top long-distance mover
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$896 — $4,215 Top container company
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$782 — $2,326 Top truck rental
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$59 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Illinois to Montana
From our evaluation of 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team identified 2,641 (83%) that handle interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts selected the top companies prepared to handle your move from Illinois to Montana.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to Montana
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
4 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 13, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 06, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Montana?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,176 – $4,330 | $896 – $2,266 | $782 – $1,464 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,753 – $6,045 | $1,635 – $3,236 | $853 – $1,796 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,511 – $8,522 | $2,154 – $4,215 | $1,151 – $2,326 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,176 – $4,330
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,753 – $6,045
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,511 – $8,522
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Montana?
- Small move: $896 – $2,266
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,635 – $3,236
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,154 – $4,215
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $782 – $1,464
- 2–3 bedrooms: $853 – $1,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,326
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 1,364-mile move from IL to MT 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 IL to MT?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 6.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Montana?
Rent is about 17% lower in Montana than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $974
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 86% higher in Montana than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $462,631
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% lower in Montana than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $66,341
Is the overall cost of living higher in Montana?
The cost of living is 11% higher in Montana than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on everyday purchases compared to Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 0.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 36% higher in Montana than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 6.75%
How is daily life different in Montana compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Montana | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,132,812 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58.4-38.5 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 12ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 49″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 19.7 |
Will Montana feel more crowded than Illinois?
Montana is about 91% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (12°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Montana?
Rain: Montana gets less rain (15″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Montana gets more snow (49 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Montana safer than Illinois?
Montana has a higher crime index than Illinois (23.37 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Montana?
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Montana 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: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Montana moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Montana, 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Montana?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Montana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Montana?
You don’t need a moving permit in Montana.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
Popular moving resources
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