($1,350) Cost of Moving From Illinois to Pennsylvania
Quick answer: Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania typically costs between $731 and $6,832 and usually takes one–six days. Your final price depends on the size and timing of your move, and whether you choose professional movers or handle it on your own.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois guide.
Our track record
The best Illinois to Pennsylvania full-service movers
Heading from Illinois to Pennsylvania? With so many moving companies out there, finding the perfect interstate mover can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you, narrowing down the top picks based on positive customer reviews, transparent pricing, and standout services.
Kick off your move to Pennsylvania with these leading long-distance moving companies that serve Illinois.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Illinois
With so many options, finding a dependable local moving company isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in Illinois, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $150 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Move-tastic, a reputable local moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been delivering exceptional residential moving services since 2009. Comparing favorably to other nearby movers, Move-tastic stands out with over 2,000 positive reviews, boasting an impressive 4.6 Yelp rating and a stellar 4.9 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their comprehensive service offerings include packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they also provide labor-only services. Move-tastic secures customer trust by accepting both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a reliable and convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Misplaced or lost items
Company Info
State license #: 7545
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Moving & Storage of Chicago, L.L.C.
Planes Moving & Storage Company, established in 1921, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Aurora, IL. With a strong reputation built over a century, the company also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring valuable items like pianos and antiques are handled with care. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.7 average rating from 320 Google reviews, and a solid consumer satisfaction. While their Yelp reviews show mixed feedback with a 3.1 average rating, their long-standing presence and comprehensive service offerings make them a trustworthy choice compared to other local movers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best Illinois to Pennsylvania moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in Illinois and drop it off at your new home in Pennsylvania.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best Illinois to Pennsylvania moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Illinois to Pennsylvania labor-only movers
If you’re just looking for some help loading your stuff into a rental truck or storage container, labor-only movers are the way to go. You can choose the crew size that fits your needs, and you only pay for the time they end up taking.
When planning a move from Illinois to Pennsylvania, check out these top-rated moving labor companies for a hassle-free experience.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to PA move
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Illinois to Pennsylvania. 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 |
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Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,350 - $4,660 | $950 - $2,147 | $625 - $1,223 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,582 - $6,832 | $1,728 - $3,292 | $731 - $1,481 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,603 - $9,686 | $2,293 - $4,154 | $914 - $1,795 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 734 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Pennsylvania, you can expect to spend between $1,350 and $4,660. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,582 to $6,832 on the same route (IL to PA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Illinois to Pennsylvania typically runs between $4,603 and $9,686.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Pennsylvania
If you're moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, expect to pay between $950 and $2,147 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,728 up to $3,292. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,293 and $4,154. 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 Pennsylvania
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $625 to $1,223. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $731 to $1,481, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Pennsylvania costs around $914 to $1,795.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to PA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Illinois.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to PA
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from Illinois, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Pennsylvania
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between Illinois and Pennsylvania. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
Illinois | Pennsylvania | |
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Average rent cost | $1,179 | $1,110 |
Average home cost | $249,224 | $268,824 |
Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $73,170 |
Cost of Living Index | 90 | 99 |
Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.4% |
Average Sales Tax | 8.82% | 6.34% |
State Income Tax | 4.95% | 3.07% |
- Rent in Pennsylvania is around 6% less than in Illinois, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in Pennsylvania to be about 8% more than what you'll find in Illinois.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Pennsylvania are roughly 7% lower than in Illinois.
- Moving to Pennsylvania means you’ll be paying 10% more than you did in Illinois. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- With an unemployment rate around 36% lower than Illinois, Pennsylvania offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
- Sales tax in Pennsylvania is 28% lower than in Illinois. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Pennsylvania can really help cut down your living expenses.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 38% lower than in Illinois. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Illinois
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in Pennsylvania versus Illinois across some essential lifestyle factors:
Pennsylvania | Illinois | |
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Population | 12,961,683 | 12,549,689 |
Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 55-45 |
Summer high | 83ºF | 86ºF |
Winter low | 19ºF | 17ºF |
Annual rain | 44" | 40" |
Annual snow | 38" | 22" |
Crime index | 17.62 | 19.7 |
- The population of Pennsylvania and Illinois is about the same. You’ll likely experience comparable scale and access, but the local vibe, economy, and lifestyle will determine how your new home feels day to day.
- In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF while Illinois gets down to 17ºF. A move to Pennsylvania with milder winters offers greater day-to-day convenience, lower costs, and more freedom to explore outdoors. It’s a great fit for those who prefer sun over snow and fewer weather-related interruptions.
- You can expect only about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania and 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois. Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
- In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually while Illinois gets only about 22 inches of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 19.7. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Pennsylvania
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Pennsylvania versus Illinois.
Pros of living in Illinois | Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
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Home of Chicago | Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity | Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities | Beautiful landscapes |
Delicious food | Ample economic opportunity |
World-class sports culture | Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Pennsylvania
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Pennsylvania.
Cons of living in Illinois | Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
---|---|
Harsh winter weather | Harsh winter weather |
Bad traffic | Bad driving conditions |
High crime rate | Nuclear power plants |
Dull landscape | Unpredictable weather |
Strict laws | High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Pennsylvania move
- Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
- 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: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Pennsylvania right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- 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 Pennsylvania
Get ready to discover Pennsylvania. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Pennsylvania
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Hershey Story Museum
- National Civil War Museum
- SteelStacks
- Steamtown National Historic Site
Parks in Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- Core Creek Park
- Allentown Fish Hatchery
- Rocky Ridge County Park
Sports Teams in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State University
- Carnegie Mellon University.
- University of Pittsburgh
- Temple University