$978 Movers From Illinois to Wisconsin

The cost to move from Illinois to Wisconsin averages from $376 to $4,786 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois guide.

Moving from Illinois to Wisconsin resources

Moving 265 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Illinois to Wisconsin movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Wisconsin is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Illinois to Wisconsin.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Wisconsin?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Illinois to Wisconsin for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $978 - $3,201 $652 - $1,669 $344 - $584
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,653 - $4,786 $1,283 - $2,427 $376 - $713
4+ bedrooms $2,323 - $6,238 $1,576 - $3,125 $434 - $900
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 265 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence Illinois moving costs. The cost to move from Illinois to Wisconsin will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Illinois to Wisconsin?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost between $978 to $3,201. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to WI will range from $1,653 to $4,786, and a large move from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost from $2,323 to $6,238.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to Wisconsin?

Moving containers from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost you $652 to $1,669 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,283 to $2,427. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,576 to $3,125. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Wisconsin?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $344 to $584. A larger move will cost $376 to $713, and a 4+ bedroom move from Illinois to Wisconsin costs from $434 to $900.

Is moving from Illinois to Wisconsin a good idea?

If you’re moving to Wisconsin from Illinois, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Illinois vs Wisconsin

Illinois Wisconsin
Average rent cost $1,038 $856
Average home cost $249,224 $250,257
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $63,293
Cost of Living Index 90 97
Unemployment rate 4.6% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 5.43%
State Income Tax 4.95% 7.65%
  • Rent is about 18% less expensive in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about the same in Wisconsin and Illinois.
  • The average income is about 19.3% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 7.8% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
  • Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 10.9%.
  • Sales taxes are 38.44% lower in Wisconsin than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 54.55% higher in Wisconsin than in Illinois.

How is life different in Wisconsin from Illinois?

Wisconsin Illinois
Population 5,895,908 12,582,032
Political leaning Democratic 50-49 Democrat 58-41
Summer High 81ºF 86ºF
Winter Low 7ºF 17ºF
Annual Rain 34" 40"
Annual Snow 48" 22"
Crime Index 17.9 18.79
  • The population of Wisconsin is approximately 53% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Wisconsin, it snows about 48 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 18.79 vs 17.9.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Wisconsin:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Illinois vs Wisconsin side-by-side.

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Wisconsin
Home of Chicago Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity High quality of life
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant outdoor recreational activities
Delicious food Unique tasty food
World-class sports culture Borders great lakes

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Wisconsin:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Wisconsin.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Wisconsin
Harsh winter weather High tax burden
Bad traffic Extreme seasonal weather
High crime rate Lack of diversity
Dull landscape Poor roads
Strict laws High rate of alcoholism

Considerations for moving to Wisconsin

  • Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Wisconsin. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our Best Movers in Illinois page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Wisconsin

While you’re in Wisconsin, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
  • Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
  • Door County
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
  • The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
  • Circus World Museum, Baraboo
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
  • Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
  • Taliesin Preservation
  • House on the Rock
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • National Railroad Museum
  • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
  • Pattison State Park
  • Lake Minocqua
  • Wisconsin Great River Road
  • Bay Beach Amusement Park
  • Wisconsin Ice Age Trail

FAQs about moving from Illinois to Wisconsin

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Wisconsin?

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Wisconsin is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Wisconsin?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as low cost of living and high quality of life.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Wisconsin