How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to IL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 12 Montana moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Montana to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Montana to Illinois.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,384 – $5,689 |
$933 – $2,199 |
$814 – $1,602 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,243 – $7,772 |
$1,717 – $3,401 |
$853 – $1,887 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,635 – $10,742 |
$2,265 – $4,347 |
$1,074 – $2,125 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,357-mile move from MT to
IL using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Montana to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Montana to Illinois,
you can expect prices to land between $1,384
and $5,689.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$3,243 to
$7,772 for the trip from MT
to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$5,635 and
$10,742.
Cost of moving containers from Montana to Illinois
Moving containers from Montana to Illinois
will cost you $933 to
$2,199 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,717
to $3,401. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $2,265 to
$4,347.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$814
and $1,602
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $853
to $1,887.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$1,074
to $2,125.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Montana to Illinois. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Montana generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MT to IL
Making the move from Montana to Illinois means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Montana vs. Illinois
A clear look at the cost differences between Montana and Illinois helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Montana |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$974 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$462,631 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,341 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.3% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
0.0% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
6.75% |
4.95% |
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Rent in Illinois is about 21% higher than in Montana. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Home prices in Illinois are around 46% lower than in Montana. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 18% higher in Illinois than in Montana, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Illinois costs about 10% less than in Montana. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 61% higher than in Montana. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Illinois has a sales tax, while Montana does not. Expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes in Illinois are 27% lower than in Montana. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Montana
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Illinois and Montana compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Illinois |
Montana |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
1,132,812 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
12ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
49″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
23.37 |
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Illinois has a population that’s about 1008% larger than Montana.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
-
In the latest presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Montana chose Republican.
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Summer highs average 86°F in Illinois, compared to 84°F in Montana.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Illinois hover around 17°F, while Montana averages 12°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus only 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Illinois, you’ll get about 22 inches of snow each year, far less than Montana.
That means moving to Illinois will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Moving to Illinois means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.7 versus Montana’s 23.37, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Montana vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to Montana:
| Pros of living in Montana |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Unmatched natural beauty |
Home of chicago |
| Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Delicious unique cuisine |
Delicious food |
| No traffic |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Illinois
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Montana to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Montana |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Dangerous wildlife |
Harsh winter weather |
| Remote lifestyle |
Bad traffic |
| Touristy |
High crime rate |
| Lacking in urban amenities |
Dull landscape |
| Challenging weather |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Montana to Illinois move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Illinois moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” 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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
You’ll have plenty to explore in Illinois! Check out these top spots 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 Montana to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Montana to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Montana to Illinois?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Montana for Illinois, drawn by advantages like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Montana.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 21% less and home prices 46% lower than in Montana.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Montana residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Illinois, you should aim to make around $83,234.
On average, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or $7,489 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Montana?
Many movers in Montana publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Montana to Illinois, budget between $3,243–$7,772 for full-service movers, around
$2,559 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,370
for a rental truck.
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