Best Movers From Michigan to Illinois (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Michigan to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $1,825–$5,000 with professional movers, roughly
$1,634 for a moving container, and about
$548
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,014 — $5,000 Top local mover
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$1,014 — $6,935 Top long-distance mover
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$623 — $2,735 Top container company
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$338 — $874 Top truck rental
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$60 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Michigan to Illinois
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Michigan to Illinois.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Michigan to Illinois
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Studio apartment
Nov 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 10, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 08, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 02, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 01, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 11, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,014 – $2,962 | $623 – $1,509 | $338 – $615 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,825 – $5,000 | $1,084 – $2,184 | $360 – $736 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,943 – $6,935 | $1,541 – $2,735 | $494 – $874 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,014 – $2,962
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,825 – $5,000
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,943 – $6,935
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to Illinois?
- Small move: $623 – $1,509
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,084 – $2,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,541 – $2,735
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $338 – $615
- 2–3 bedrooms: $360 – $736
- 4+ bedrooms: $494 – $874
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 408-mile move from MI to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 MI to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 14% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Michigan and Illinois.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 14% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 47% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 16% higher in Illinois than in Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Michigan?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Illinois | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 19.98 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Michigan?
Illinois is about 25% more populous than Michigan — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (17°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets more rain (40″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 64 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Michigan?
Illinois and Michigan have similar crime rates (19.7 vs. 19.98). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
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 Michigan to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
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?
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. 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 Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Michigan routes
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