When planning a move from Kentucky to Illinois, professional movers typically run between
$1,753 and $4,806, a moving container averages about
$1,580, and a rental truck is around
$575.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Kentucky to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $984 – $3,118 | $648 – $1,554 | $338 – $654 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,753 – $4,806 | $1,084 – $2,077 | $360 – $790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,884 – $7,080 | $1,556 – $2,872 | $471 – $929 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $984 – $3,118
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,753 – $4,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,884 – $7,080
How much do moving containers cost from Kentucky to Illinois?
- Small move: $648 – $1,554
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,084 – $2,077
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,556 – $2,872
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $338 – $654
- 2–3 bedrooms: $360 – $790
- 4+ bedrooms: $471 – $929
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 409-mile move from KY to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from KY to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Kentucky | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $902 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $212,088 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,183 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 93 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 31% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky.
Avg rent: $902 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 18% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky.
Avg home value: $212,088 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 30% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky.
Avg income (per capita): $60,183 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Kentucky and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 93 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 47% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 24% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky.
State income tax: 4.0% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Kentucky?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Illinois | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 4,526,154 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 24ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 11″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 16.63 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Kentucky?
Illinois is about 177% more populous than Kentucky — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Kentucky voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Illinois is colder on average (17°F vs. 24°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets less rain (40″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Illinois gets more snow (22 inches vs. 11 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Kentucky?
Illinois has a higher crime index than Kentucky (19.7 vs. 16.63). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Illinois?
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Illinois 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,” for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
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.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Illinois moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Illinois?
Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Kentucky offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Kentucky routes
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