When moving from Minnesota to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,147–$5,284 with professional movers, roughly
$1,817 for a moving container, and about
$749
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,187 – $3,642 | $673 – $1,707 | $465 – $802 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,147 – $5,284 | $1,226 – $2,409 | $478 – $1,021 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,928 – $7,909 | $1,637 – $3,115 | $609 – $1,197 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,187 – $3,642
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,147 – $5,284
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,928 – $7,909
How much do moving containers cost from Minnesota to Illinois?
- Small move: $673 – $1,707
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,226 – $2,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,637 – $3,115
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $465 – $802
- 2–3 bedrooms: $478 – $1,021
- 4+ bedrooms: $609 – $1,197
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 624-mile move from MN to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 MN to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| 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% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about the same in Minnesota and Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,178 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 25% lower in Illinois than in Minnesota.
Avg home value: $334,119 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in Illinois than in Minnesota.
Avg income (per capita): $84,313 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in Minnesota and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 94 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 10% higher in Illinois than in Minnesota.
Avg sales tax: 8.03% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 50% lower in Illinois than in Minnesota.
State income tax: 9.85% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Minnesota?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| 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 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Minnesota?
Illinois is about 119% more populous than Minnesota — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Minnesota and Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Illinois is milder on average (17°F vs. 2°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets more rain (40″ vs. 29″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 47 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Minnesota?
Illinois has a lower crime index than Minnesota (19.7 vs. 22.47), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
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 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.
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 and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
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.
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, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“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.
Some movers in Minnesota offer discounts: 4 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
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.
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