How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 84 Michigan movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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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 Michigan to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Michigan
to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| 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 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 408-mile relocation from MI to
IL, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Illinois
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Michigan to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between
$1,014
and $2,962.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$1,825 and $5,000
for the same journey (MI to IL).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,943
to $6,935.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Illinois
When you’re heading from Michigan to Illinois, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $623 and
$1,509. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,084 and
$2,184. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,541
to $2,735. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Illinois
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$338
to $615.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $360
to $736, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Michigan to Illinois costs around
$494 to
$874.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to IL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Michigan to Illinois. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Michigan when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from MI to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Illinois
Understanding how costs compare between Michigan and Illinois can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
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% |
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Rent is about 14% higher in Illinois than in Michigan. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Home prices in Illinois and Michigan are pretty similar, so you probably won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget much, unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or nicer place.
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You’re likely to earn about 14% more in Illinois than in Michigan. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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With the cost of living being about the same in Illinois and Michigan, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
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The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 13% higher than in Michigan. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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Sales taxes are 47% higher in Illinois than in Michigan. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Illinois are 16% higher than in Michigan, so you’ll be paying more in state taxes and taking home a bit less pay.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Michigan
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Illinois and Michigan line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
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 |
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The population of Illinois is approximately 25% greater than the population of Michigan.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Michigan went Republican.
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In Illinois, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 81°F in Michigan.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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Winter temperatures usually fall to 17°F in Illinois and 14°F in Michigan.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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Get ready for about 40 inches of rain each year in Illinois, which is quite a change from the 34 inches you’re used to in Michigan.
The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
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In Illinois, you’ll only get about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than Michigan.
That means moving to Illinois brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
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Both Illinois and Michigan share similar crime rates (19.98).
However, crime levels can vary widely between different cities and neighborhoods, so it’s a good idea to look up local crime stats for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Illinois
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Illinois and Michigan:
| Pros of living in Michigan |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Scenic beauty |
Home of chicago |
| Good higher education |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Delicious food |
| Beautiful lakes |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Illinois
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Illinois:
| Cons of living in Michigan |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Cold snowy winters |
Harsh winter weather |
| Spotty economic opportunity |
Bad traffic |
| Poor transportation infrastructure |
High crime rate |
| Expensive education |
Dull landscape |
| Thick accents |
Strict laws |
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.
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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.
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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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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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.
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Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on schedule. Get started here.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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 Michigan to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Michigan to Illinois?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Michigan to Illinois on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Illinois?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Michigan to Illinois to enjoy all the great benefits Illinois provides, such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Illinois?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Illinois.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 12% less and home prices 1% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, 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?
Thinking of moving to Illinois on your own? You’ll want to earn around $83,234 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or around $7,489 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Michigan?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
In Michigan, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Military members can find special pricing from 6 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 7 movers.
Students can take advantage of discounts offered by 1 moving companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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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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