How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to TX 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 Texas?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Texas.
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 |
$1,156 – $4,632 |
$789 – $1,904 |
$601 – $1,164 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,200 – $5,743 |
$1,403 – $2,957 |
$684 – $1,369 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,888 – $7,424 |
$1,851 – $3,701 |
$849 – $1,734 |
*Estimated costs for a 994-mile move from IL to
TX 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 Texas
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Texas will cost between
$1,156 and
$4,632.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to TX will
range from $2,200 to
$5,743, and a large move from Illinois
to Texas will cost from $3,888
to $7,424.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Texas
If you’re moving from Illinois to Texas,
expect to pay between $789
and $1,904 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,403 up to
$2,957.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,851 and
$3,701. 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 Texas
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
$601 and
$1,164.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $684
and $1,369. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $849 up to
$1,734 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to TX
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to Texas. 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 TX
A relocation from Illinois to Texas comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Texas
Comparing expenses in Illinois and Texas 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 |
Texas |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$1,251 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$300,267 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$73,035 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
4.1% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
8.19% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
0.0% |
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Rent in Texas is approximately 6% 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 20% higher in Texas than in Illinois.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Texas are about 7% lower than in Illinois.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Texas and Illinois, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 23% lower than Illinois, Texas boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales tax in Texas is 7% lower than in Illinois. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Texas can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Texas has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Texas 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 Texas stacks up against Illinois across important lifestyle factors:
|
Texas |
Illinois |
| Population |
30,503,301 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 56-44 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
94ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
36ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
36″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
2″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
27.32 |
19.7 |
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Texas is about 143% more populous than Illinois.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Texas leaned Republican, while Illinois went with Democratic.
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Texas averages 94°F in summer compared to 86°F in Illinois.
That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Texas bottoms out around 36°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
A move to Texas with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
In Texas, you’ll get about 36 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 Texas, you can expect about 2 inches of snow each year, much less than the 22 inches you’d deal with in Illinois.
So, if you’re moving to Texas, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Texas has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 27.32 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. Texas
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Texas versus Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Texas |
| Home of chicago |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Favorable climate |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Delicious barbecue |
| Delicious food |
Low taxes |
| World-class sports culture |
Privacy and freedom |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Texas
Moving from Illinois to Texas 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 Texas |
| Harsh winter weather |
Severe weather |
| Bad traffic |
Limited healthcare access |
| High crime rate |
High crime rate |
| Dull landscape |
Traffic issues |
| Strict laws |
Politics |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Texas 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:
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Texas 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 Texas, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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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 Texas 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. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
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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 Texas
Get ready to discover all that Texas has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Texas
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
- National Museum of the Pacific War
Parks in Texas
- Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
- Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
- Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
- Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
- Garner State Park, Concan
Sports teams in Texas
- Austin FC (MLS)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Wings (WNBA)
Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- The University of Texas at Arlington
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Texas?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Texas?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Texas?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Texas are the amazing upsides of living in Texas, such as ample economic opportunity and favorable climate.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Texas?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Texas.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 6% less and home prices 17% lower than in Texas.
However, taxes are
lower in Texas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Texas?
You should make approximately $66,858 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Texas.
The cost of living in Texas is about $2,597 per month for an individual and $6,627 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Houston and San Antonio 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 Texas, expect to spend between
$2,200–$5,743 if using professional movers, about
$2,180 for a moving container, and around
$1,026
for a rental truck.
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