How we chose the best moving companies for your MS to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Mississippi
to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,214 – $3,635 |
$710 – $1,715 |
$490 – $926 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,260 – $5,636 |
$1,228 – $2,374 |
$493 – $1,079 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,662 – $8,311 |
$1,709 – $3,077 |
$641 – $1,216 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 654-mile relocation from MS 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 Mississippi to Illinois
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Mississippi to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between
$1,214
and $3,635.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,260 and $5,636
for the same journey (MS to IL).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,662
to $8,311.
Cost of moving containers from Mississippi to Illinois
When you’re heading from Mississippi to Illinois, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $710 and
$1,715. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,228 and
$2,374. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,709
to $3,077. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Mississippi easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Mississippi 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
$490
to $926.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $493
to $1,079, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Mississippi to Illinois costs around
$641 to
$1,216.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MS to IL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 MS to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from Mississippi, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Mississippi vs. Illinois
Understanding how costs compare between Mississippi and Illinois can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Mississippi |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$896 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$181,313 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
85 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
7.0% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
4.7% |
4.95% |
-
Rent is about 32% higher in Illinois than in Mississippi. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
-
Prepare for a higher monthly mortgage. Home prices in Illinois are typically about 37% higher than in Mississippi.
-
You’re likely to earn about 14% more in Illinois than in Mississippi. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
-
The cost of living is 6% higher in Illinois than in Mississippi. If you’re making the move to Illinois with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
-
The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 83% higher than in Mississippi. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
-
Sales taxes are 26% higher in Illinois than in Mississippi. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
-
Income tax rates are similar in Illinois and Mississippi, so your paycheck deductions won’t change. You’ll enjoy a comparable financial landscape when moving between these states.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Mississippi
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 Mississippi line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Illinois |
Mississippi |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
2,943,045 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 60.9-38 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
57″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
19.92 |
-
The population of Illinois is approximately 326% greater than the population of Mississippi.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
-
In the most recent presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Mississippi went Republican.
-
In Illinois, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 91°F in Mississippi.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
-
In the coldest months, Illinois sees lows of 17°F compared to 33°F in Mississippi.
That colder climate means higher heating costs and tougher winters — but also snowy scenery and seasonal activities.
-
In Illinois, you’ll get about 40 inches of rain each year — less than the 57 inches you’re used to in Mississippi.
That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
-
Each year, Illinois sees about 22 inches of snowfall, while Mississippi averages just 1 inch.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
-
Both Illinois and Mississippi share similar crime rates (19.92).
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 Mississippi vs. Illinois
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Illinois and Mississippi:
| Pros of living in Mississippi |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Southern hospitality |
Home of chicago |
| Delicious comfort food |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Mild winters |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Delicious food |
| Nice beaches |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Mississippi 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 Mississippi for Illinois:
| Cons of living in Mississippi |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Extreme weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| Lackluster economy |
Bad traffic |
| Low diversity |
High crime rate |
| Poor healthcare |
Dull landscape |
| Political homogeneity |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Mississippi to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Mississippi to Illinois?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Mississippi 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 Mississippi or Illinois?
Living in Mississippi usually costs less than in Illinois.
Housing
is much more affordable in Mississippi,
with average rent about 24% less and home prices 27% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Mississippi, most notably income taxes, which are more than 5% 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.
Helpful moving resources
Mississippi moving services
Popular Mississippi routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
See All
Hide All
When moving from Mississippi to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,260–$5,636 with professional movers, roughly
$1,801 for a moving container, and about
$786
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
