($1,303) Cost of Moving From Kentucky to Illinois
Quick answer: Moving from Kentucky to Illinois usually costs between $511 and $6,296, with most moves taking about one–four days. Your actual price will depend on the size of your home, the time of your move, and whether you hire pros or go the DIY route.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to Kentucky guide.
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The best Kentucky to Illinois full-service movers
Planning a move from Kentucky to Illinois? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.
Start your journey from Kentucky to Illinois with these top-rated long-distance movers serving Kentucky.
- 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 Kentucky
Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in Kentucky, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Pack Mule Moving LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 20
3951 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218 USTwo Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Louisville, KY since 2005. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they enjoy a solid reputation with an impressive 4.6 average rating based on 830 Google reviews and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their services extend beyond just moving; they also offer packing and unpacking services, and can handle specialized items like pianos and safes. While they boast high ratings on Google, their Yelp profile tells a different story with a 1.5 average rating based on 42 reviews. Overall, Two Men and a Truck stands out for those looking for a well-established, versatile moving company.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 3448
Wildcat Moving LLC
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2207083
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
236 Big Run Rd, Lexington, KY 40503 USWildcat Moving LLC, based in Lexington, KY, has been a reliable choice for local residential moves since 2013. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Wildcat Moving stands out with its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and even moving specialty items like pianos and safes—all at a competitive rate of $140 per hour without requiring a deposit. Consumer reviews reflect a balanced perspective, with a stellar 4.8-star average from 1893 Google reviews and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, underpinning their strong reputation despite mixed feedback on Yelp. For those seeking trustworthy and versatile moving services, Wildcat Moving LLC offers a robust and well-regarded solution.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2207083
- State license #: 3952
Alternative Business Names
- Wildcat Furniture Repair
- Wildcat Pressure Washing
- The Wildcat Group
Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 1834511
Years in Business: 18
1861 Williamson Court, Louisville, KY 40223 USNeutz Sons & Daughters Moving has been a dependable choice for local residential moves in and around Louisville, KY since 2007. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they boast extensive experience and a stellar reputation, with an impressive 4.7 average rating from 268 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their services include packing, unpacking, and crating, and they are adept at handling specialty items like pianos. The company’s no-deposit policy and credit card acceptance add to their customer-friendly approach, making them a standout choice for reliable and efficient moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1834511
- State license #: 3561
Alternative Business Names
- N & R Properties, LLC
Pack Mule Moving LLC
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 3272455
Years in Business: 14
263 Wicker Ln, Brooks, KY 40109Pack Mule Moving LLC, based in Brooks, KY, has been delivering top-notch local residential moving services since 2011. With an impressive array of testimonials, including an average rating of 4.9 on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, it’s clear that customers are highly satisfied with their experiences. Boasting a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Pack Mule Moving LLC stands out from other local movers with their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and ability to handle specialty items like pianos and antiques. Their no deposit requirement and acceptance of various payment methods make them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3272455
- State license #: 4494
Vincent Fister Inc.
rating
4.66 / 5
Years in Business: 71
2305 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40509 USVincent Fister Inc., serving Lexington, KY since 1954, has established itself as a reputable local mover with a strong presence in the community. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services including office moving, packing, and unpacking, making them a versatile choice for various relocation needs. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and while their Yelp reviews average at 1.9, their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.6 rating from 187 reviews, showcasing a generally high level of customer satisfaction. Vincent Fister Inc. also excels in handling delicate items such as pianos, art, and antiques, ensuring a careful and professional move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- State license #: 0065
Alternative Business Names
- Fister, Inc.
- Vincent Fister Company, Inc.
- United Van Lines
The best Kentucky to Illinois moving container companies
Moving containers help you save money without having to do all the heavy lifting. You load and unload your stuff, while the company handles all the driving, picking up your container in Kentucky and dropping it off at your new home in Illinois.
Check out our top picks for the best moving container companies:
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The best Kentucky to Illinois moving truck rentals
If you're looking to cut costs on your move from Kentucky to Illinois, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you'll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Kentucky to Illinois labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from Kentucky to Illinois.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 23 Kentucky movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Kentucky to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Kentucky to Illinois. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,303 - $3,728 | $832 - $1,995 | $461 - $831 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,345 - $6,296 | $1,378 - $2,887 | $511 - $975 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,781 - $8,640 | $1,807 - $3,442 | $616 - $1,122 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 409 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 Kentucky to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to Illinois typically costs between $1,303 and $3,728. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,345 and $6,296 when moving from KY to IL. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Kentucky to Illinois, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,781 up to $8,640.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Illinois
Moving containers from Kentucky to Illinois will cost you $832 to $1,995 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,378 to $2,887. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,807 to $3,442. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky to Illinois
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 $461 and $831. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $511 and $975. Planning a move from Kentucky to Illinois or relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $616 up to $1,122 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Kentucky to Illinois. 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 Kentucky.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from KY to IL
If you’re making the move from Kentucky to Illinois, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Illinois
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in Kentucky and Illinois. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:
| Kentucky | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent is about 31% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in Illinois to be about 18% more than what you'll find in Kentucky.
- Good news—you can expect to earn about 30% more in Illinois than in Kentucky. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- Living in Illinois is about 3% cheaper than Kentucky. That means big savings for you, but it's still important to plan your move carefully.
- Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 6% higher than in Kentucky. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales taxes are 47% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 24% higher than in Kentucky. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Kentucky
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 Illinois versus Kentucky across some essential lifestyle factors:
| 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 |
- If you’re moving from Kentucky to Illinois, you’ll find Illinois has about 177% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
- In the most recent presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Kentucky went with Republican.
- Summer temperatures usually hit around 86ºF in Illinois and 87ºF in Kentucky. If those numbers are close, you’ll likely have an easy time getting used to the new climate. Just don’t forget to think about humidity, typical weather, and energy costs to get the full picture of summer in your new place.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Illinois can dip to around 17ºF, while Kentucky typically only sees lows near 24ºF. Relocating to Illinois means getting used to colder winters, which might mean higher heating bills, new routines, and harsher weather. On the upside, you’ll also get to experience the seasonal charm and activities that come with the snow.
- In Illinois, you’ll see about 40 inches of rain each year, less than the 48 inches you’re used to in Kentucky. Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
- Every year, Illinois gets around 22 inches of snow, much more than the 11 inches that Kentucky typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter and need plenty of warm gear.
- Illinois has a higher crime rate than Kentucky, with a crime index of 19.7 compared to 16.63. While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it's smart to research neighborhoods, stay update
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to Kentucky.
| Pros of living in Kentucky | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Home of Chicago |
| Abundant outdoor adventures | Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious food and drink | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Horse racing | Delicious food |
| Four season weather | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. Illinois
Moving from Kentucky to Illinois comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.
| Cons of living in Kentucky | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Harsh winter weather |
| Low diversity | Bad traffic |
| Poor air quality | High crime rate |
| Poor infrastructure | Dull landscape |
| Poor education system | Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to Illinois move
- Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
- 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: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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: Quickly check the status of a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- 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 Illinois right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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.
Things to do in Illinois
While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to Illinois?
Hiring a full-service Kentucky moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to Illinois?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Kentucky to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Illinois?
It is generally cheaper to live in Kentucky than in Illinois. Housing is more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 24% less and home prices 15% lower than in Illinois. Taxes are also lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $ 80,838 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois. The cost of living in Illinois is approximately $ 3,569 per month for an individual and $ 7,930 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Illinois you live For example, larger cities like Chicago and Aurora will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
