When moving from Minnesota to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,090–$5,750 with professional movers, roughly
$1,887 for a moving container, and about
$743
for a rental truck.
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The best local moving companies in Minnesota
In Minnesota, there are 39 interstate moving companies available to accommodate your move to Illinois. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in Minnesota, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Muscle Movers, LLC: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Matt’s Moving Company has been serving the St. Paul, MN area since 2009, specializing in local residential moves. Demonstrating a strong reputation, they hold a BBB rating of A+ and boast an impressive average Google rating of 4.6 from 227 reviews. Unlike many competitors, Matt’s Moving Company also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services and accepts credit cards without requiring a deposit. With a 3.9 average rating from 25 Yelp reviews, they stand out in the local moving market, making them a reliable choice for your moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1446174
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Hopkins, MN since 2000. They offer a range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and are equipped to move items like pianos and safes. While their Yelp reviews average a modest 2.3 stars from 25 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts 285 reviews with a strong 4.4-star average, and they hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This company distinguishes itself from other nearby movers with their comprehensive service options and two decades of industry experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Ace Moving & Warehousing, established in 2009, offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around Coon Rapids, MN. Setting them apart from many nearby movers, Ace Moving also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services, catering to a variety of specialty items such as pianos and antiques. Their impressive Google My Business profile, boasting an average rating of 4.8 from 283 reviews, underscores their reliability and quality, while their A rating from the Better Business Bureau further attests to their reputable standing. Although their Yelp rating is lower, the overall sentiment from a majority of customers indicates they are a dependable choice for your local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1443087
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1443087
Alternate Names: College Muscle , College Muscle Movers
College Muscle Movers, LLC has been reliably serving the St. Paul, MN area with local residential moving services since 2008. With an impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A and an average Yelp rating of 4.2 from 203 reviews, they are highly regarded among their customers. Unlike some nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. Although a deposit is required, they accept credit cards and provide full valuation insurance coverage, making them a trustworthy and versatile choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
AAA Movers, a trusted local moving company serving Minnesota residents since 1989, offers comprehensive residential moving services. Unlike some competitors, they provide a broad range of additional services such as office moving, packing and unpacking, and even piano moving. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and a strong average rating of 4.2 from over 700 reviews on Google, their reputation is solid despite mixed feedback on Yelp. AAA Movers stands out for their no-deposit policy and flexibility in payment methods, making them a reliable choice for your next local move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Illinois moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Minnesota to Illinois? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you’ll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best Minnesota to Illinois labor-only movers
Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.
When you’re getting ready to move from Minnesota to Illinois, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Minnesota movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
- 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 Minnesota to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Minnesota to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,216 – $3,481 | $717 – $1,766 | $454 – $847 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,090 – $5,750 | $1,282 – $2,493 | $470 – $1,016 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,791 – $8,348 | $1,745 – $3,002 | $611 – $1,239 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 624-mile relocation from MN to IL, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 04, 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 Minnesota to Illinois
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Minnesota to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $1,216 and $3,481. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,090 and $5,750 for the same journey (MN to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,791 to $8,348.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Illinois
When you’re heading from Minnesota to Illinois, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $717 and $1,766. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,282 and $2,493. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,745 to $3,002. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Minnesota easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota 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 $454 to $847. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $470 to $1,016, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Minnesota to Illinois costs around $611 to $1,239.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to IL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Minnesota to Illinois. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
- How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
- The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Minnesota when demand for movers is highest.
- 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 MN to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from Minnesota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Illinois
Understanding how costs compare between Minnesota and Illinois can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
| Minnesota | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,178 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $334,119 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $84,313 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 94 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.03% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 4.95% |
- No need to stress about your budget—rental rates are about the same when you’re moving from Minnesota to Illinois.
- Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Illinois are about 25% lower than in Minnesota. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
- Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Illinois are about 7% lower than in Minnesota.
- With the cost of living being about the same in Illinois and Minnesota, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
- The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 56% higher than in Minnesota. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
- Sales taxes are 10% higher in Illinois than in Minnesota. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 50% lower than in Minnesota. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Minnesota
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 Minnesota line up on these lifestyle indicators.
| Illinois | Minnesota | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 5,737,915 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 2ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 29″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 22.47 |
- The population of Illinois is approximately 119% greater than the population of Minnesota. With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Minnesota and Illinois leaned Democratic.
- In Illinois, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 81°F in Minnesota. With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
- Winter lows in Illinois average 17°F, milder than 2°F in Minnesota. Easier winters bring lower bills, fewer hassles, and more freedom to enjoy life outdoors.
- Get ready for about 40 inches of rain each year in Illinois, which is quite a change from the 29 inches you’re used to in Minnesota. 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.
- In Illinois, you’ll only get about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than Minnesota. That means moving to Illinois brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
- Illinois is a safer choice than Minnesota, boasting a lower crime index of 19.7 compared to 22.47. You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Illinois
New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in Illinois and Minnesota:
| Pros of living in Minnesota | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Home of chicago |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Multitudinous lakes | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Diverse festivals | Delicious food |
| Friendly people | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota 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 Minnesota for Illinois:
| Cons of living in Minnesota | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Bland food | Harsh winter weather |
| Cold snowy winters | Bad traffic |
| Terrible traffic | High crime rate |
| High tax burden | Dull landscape |
| Thick accents | Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota 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. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on schedule. 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: 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 Minnesota to Illinois?
Going with a full-service Minnesota moving company is a bigger financial investment, but it saves you a ton of hassle. If you’re looking to cut costs, renting a moving truck or using a moving container will keep your budget in check, but you’ll have to do more of the heavy lifting. Want more options for saving money? Check out our tips on the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Illinois on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Illinois?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Minnesota 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 Minnesota or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Minnesota. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 0% less and home prices 25% lower than in Minnesota. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Minnesota, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. Seniors are eligible for savings with 1 movers.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
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