Moving from Illinois to New Jersey ($1,230-$5,720)
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The cost to move from Illinois to New Jersey ranges from $1,230 to $5,720 with full-service movers, based on 588 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific Illinois to New Jersey route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to New Jersey?
The average cost of moving from Illinois to New Jersey with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,230 to $5,720 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 588 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 893 miles.
The final price of your Illinois to New Jersey move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,230 - $4,410 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,520 - $5,720 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,060 - $8,050 |
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to New Jersey?
A moving container from Illinois to New Jersey costs between $800 and $4,030, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,510 to $3,020, roughly 45% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 893-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $800 - $2,080 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,510 - $3,020 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,990 - $4,030 |
34% of movers in Illinois offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from Illinois to New Jersey?
A rental truck from Illinois to New Jersey costs between $650 and $1,730. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $660 to $1,400, about 75% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Illinois averaging $3.19 per gallon, fuel for the 893-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $650 - $1,190 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $660 - $1,400 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $840 - $1,730 |
Add-on costs for an Illinois to New Jersey move
Most Illinois to New Jersey estimates start as a base transport figure and climb from there as accessorials get attached. Knowing which ones actually apply to a 893-mile move is the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on delivery day.
At 893 miles, an Illinois to New Jersey move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in New Jersey. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
New Jersey's cost of living runs about 26% above Illinois's, so destination-side charges on this route price above national averages, including shuttle service, long carries, and storage near Trenton. Origin-side labor in Illinois is the cheaper end of this move.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Illinois to New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $960 - $2,500 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $380 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $330 - $920 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $90 - $290 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $200 - $480 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $230 - $660 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $550 - $820 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item. A 40-pound TV settles at $24. Full-value protection is the line item most worth the money on a 893-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Illinois to New Jersey estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
69% of movers in Illinois handle piano moves, 27% handle pool tables, and 41% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 21% of Illinois movers require a deposit to book, and 32% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended Illinois to New Jersey Movers
These movers average a 82% positive review rate among Illinois movers we track.
Compare movers for your Illinois to New Jersey move
Not sure where to start? These are the highest-rated long-distance movers in Illinois for a move to New Jersey:
52% of Illinois movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL 60103
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
2627 Kaneville Ct, Geneva, IL 60134
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
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Alternate Illinois to New Jersey moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on an Illinois to New Jersey move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 75% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Illinois run $61 - $79 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the New Jersey end. 60% of movers in Illinois offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Illinois on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in New Jersey for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $321 - $831 to rent in Illinois, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 588 real quotes from Illinois to New Jersey, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Jersey to Illinois guide.
Illinois to New Jersey cost of living comparison
We track moving trends on every major U.S. route, and the factors that come up again and again are cost of living, job markets, housing affordability, and lifestyle. Here's how Illinois and New Jersey line up on each:
| Factor | Illinois | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 114 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $97,126 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $534,773 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.7% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.7% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $1,368 |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.6% |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 16.2 |
| College graduation rate | 37.14% | 43.1% |
| Population | 12,549,689 | 9,290,841 |
New Jersey has a higher cost of living than Illinois, so most people moving in this direction are doing so for career, family, or lifestyle reasons rather than affordability. Budget for higher housing costs and day-to-day expenses compared to what you're used to in Illinois.
New Jersey's largest industries are Professional and business services ($100.9 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($99.9 billion), and Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($57.6 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Illinois to New Jersey
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $150 - $630 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Among Illinois movers, 0.97% offer a military discount, 1.94% offer a senior discount, and 0.97% offer an AAA discount. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
How does the cost of living in New Jersey compare to Illinois?
New Jersey's cost of living index of 114 is higher than Illinois's 90 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel pricier. Average rent runs $1,179 in Illinois versus $1,368 in New Jersey. Crime index is 19.7 in Illinois vs 16.2 in New Jersey. 43.1% of New Jersey adults hold a college degree, versus 37.14% in Illinois.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Illinois at Illinois's official regulatorandin New Jersey at New Jersey's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for an Illinois to New Jersey move?
People making this move are often chasing bountiful recreational opportunities in New Jersey.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 45% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $90 - $290, and long carries over 75ft add $140 - $460. Shuttle service costs $230 - $660 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $120 - $1,260 here), specialty items like pianos run $330 - $920 each, and storage-in-transit is $200 - $480 per month. 21% of Illinois movers also require a deposit.
Popular Illinois to New Jersey moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Illinois to New Jersey corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Illinois to New Jersey: the bottom line
The cost to move from Illinois to New Jersey ranges from $1,230 - $5,720 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 45% - 75% less for the same move. For most people making this 893-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.
