How we chose the best moving companies for your MA to IL move
After studying pricing from 106 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Massachusetts to Illinois.
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 |
$1,177 – $4,723 |
$787 – $1,942 |
$702 – $1,243 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,399 – $6,053 |
$1,441 – $2,936 |
$751 – $1,585 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,027 – $8,031 |
$2,026 – $3,990 |
$934 – $1,781 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,099-mile move from MA to
IL 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 Massachusetts to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Massachusetts to Illinois will cost between
$1,177 and
$4,723.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MA to IL will
range from $2,399 to
$6,053, and a large move from Massachusetts
to Illinois will cost from $4,027
to $8,031.
Cost of moving containers from Massachusetts to Illinois
If you’re moving from Massachusetts to Illinois,
expect to pay between $787
and $1,942 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,441 up to
$2,936.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,026 and
$3,990. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Massachusetts 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
$702 and
$1,243.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $751
and $1,585. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $934 up to
$1,781 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to IL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Massachusetts to Illinois. 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 Massachusetts 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 MA to IL
A relocation from Massachusetts to Illinois comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. Illinois
Comparing expenses in Massachusetts and Illinois 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:
|
Massachusetts |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,588 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$623,131 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$96,505 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.9% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.25% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
9.0% |
4.95% |
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Expect to pay around 26% less in rent in Illinois than in Massachusetts, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 60% lower in Illinois than in Massachusetts.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Illinois are about 19% lower than in Massachusetts.
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Living in Illinois is about 10% cheaper than Massachusetts. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is about 36% higher than in Massachusetts. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales taxes are 41% higher in Illinois than in Massachusetts, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 45% lower in Illinois than in Massachusetts. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Massachusetts
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 Illinois stacks up against Massachusetts across important lifestyle factors:
|
Illinois |
Massachusetts |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
7,001,399 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
16ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
49″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
13.92 |
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Illinois is about 79% more populous than Massachusetts.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Massachusetts and Illinois supported the Democratic candidate.
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In Illinois, summer highs hover around 86°F, while Massachusetts sits at 82°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches about 17°F and Massachusetts gets down to 16°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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You’ll enjoy about 40 inches of rain each year in Illinois, compared to 49 inches in Massachusetts.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In Illinois, you can expect about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than the 47 inches you’d deal with in Massachusetts.
So, if you’re moving to Illinois, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
Illinois has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 13.92.
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 Massachusetts vs. Illinois
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Illinois versus Massachusetts:
| Pros of living in Massachusetts |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Natural beauty |
Home of chicago |
| Excellent education system |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious seafood |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Delicious food |
| Home to boston |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. Illinois
Moving from Massachusetts to Illinois comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Massachusetts |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Bad traffic |
Harsh winter weather |
| Poor driving conditions |
Bad traffic |
| Harsh winter weather |
High crime rate |
| High cost of living |
Dull landscape |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to Illinois 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.
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Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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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 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Illinois 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois 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. 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.
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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 Illinois
Get ready to discover all that Illinois has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Massachusetts to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Massachusetts to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Massachusetts to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Massachusetts.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 26% less and home prices 60% lower than in Massachusetts.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Massachusetts residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $83,234 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois.
The cost of living in Illinois is about $3,434 per month for an individual and $7,489 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Chicago and Aurora tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Massachusetts?
Some movers in Massachusetts provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 3 movers.
Student savings are available through 6 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Massachusetts moving services
Popular Massachusetts routes
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When moving from Massachusetts to Illinois, expect to spend between
$2,399–$6,053 if using professional movers, about
$2,188 for a moving container, and around
$1,168
for a rental truck.
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