How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to VA 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 Virginia?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Virginia.
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 |
$1,118 – $3,522 |
$756 – $1,673 |
$509 – $937 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,054 – $5,095 |
$1,321 – $2,595 |
$582 – $1,159 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,640 – $7,328 |
$1,789 – $3,278 |
$708 – $1,419 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 769-mile move from IL to
VA 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 Virginia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Virginia,
you can expect prices to land between $1,118
and $3,522.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,054 to
$5,095 for the trip from IL
to VA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,640 and
$7,328.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Virginia
Moving containers from Illinois to Virginia
will cost you $756 to
$1,673 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,321
to $2,595. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,789 to
$3,278.
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 Virginia
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
$509
and $937
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $582
to $1,159.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$708
to $1,419.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to VA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Virginia. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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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 VA
Making the move from Illinois to Virginia means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Virginia
A clear look at the cost differences between Illinois and Virginia 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 |
Virginia |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
5.73% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
5.75% |
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Rent in Virginia is about 22% higher than in Illinois. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Virginia are usually around 58% higher than what you’ll find in Illinois.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 11% higher in Virginia than in Illinois, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Virginia costs 11% more than in Illinois. If you’re relocating to Virginia, be sure to budget carefully so your finances can handle the higher expenses.
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With an unemployment rate around 45% lower than Illinois, Virginia 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 Virginia is 35% lower than in Illinois. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Virginia could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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State income taxes in Virginia are 16% higher than in Illinois, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Virginia 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 Virginia and Illinois compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Virginia |
Illinois |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
14″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
19.7 |
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The population of Virginia is about 31% 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.
-
Illinois and Virginia both voted Democratic in the last election.
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Summer highs average 87°F in Virginia, compared to 86°F in Illinois.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Virginia has winter lows around 25°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia and 40 inches 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 Virginia, you’ll get about 14 inches of snow each year, far less than Illinois.
That means moving to Virginia will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Both Virginia 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. Virginia
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Virginia compared to Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Home of chicago |
Strong economy |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful scenery |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Delicious food |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| World-class sports culture |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Virginia
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 Virginia:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| Harsh winter weather |
High cost of living |
| Bad traffic |
Unpredictable weather |
| High crime rate |
Bad traffic congestion |
| Dull landscape |
Lack of public transportation |
| Strict laws |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Virginia 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 addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Virginia 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
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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 Virginia
You’ll have plenty to explore in Virginia! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners’ Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State Park
Sports teams in Virginia
- Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
- Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
- Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
- Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
- Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Virginia?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Virginia?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Illinois for Virginia, drawn by advantages like strong economy and beautiful scenery that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Virginia?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Virginia.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 37% lower than in Virginia.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Virginia, you should aim to make around $72,647.
On average, expect to spend about $19,977 per month, or $4,783 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Neabsco and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia, budget between $2,054–$5,095 for full-service movers, around
$1,958 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$870
for a rental truck.
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