($1,656) Cost of Moving From Montana to Illinois

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Montana to Illinois ranges from $1,107 to $9,134 and takes three–eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to Montana guide.

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The best Montana to Illinois full-service movers

Moving from Montana to Illinois? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Montana for your Illinois relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Montana

  1. InterWest Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Mesa Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  4. Baker Transfer & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. Montana Transfer: 4.28 out of 5 stars

InterWest Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 125550

Years in Business: 32

523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714

InterWest Moving and Storage, serving Belgrade, MT since 1992, specializes in local residential moves and stands out as a highly reputable option compared to other nearby moving companies. With an impressive consumer review profile—boasting a 5.0 average rating on Yelp and a 4.8 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ Better Business Bureau rating—InterWest's commitment to customer satisfaction is clear. The company also offers a range of additional services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and provides full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind. For those seeking reliable, top-rated local moving services, InterWest Moving and Storage is a standout choice.

Get a Quote (406) 587-5153

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • West One Logistics
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 7

1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802 US

Two Men and a Truck, operating in and around Missoula, MT since 2018, stands out for its reliable local residential moving services. With a solid reputation, the company boasts an impressive 4.5-star average on Google My Business from 76 reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting customer satisfaction and trust. Comparing favorably to other movers in the area, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required. Whether moving a piano or a safe, Two Men and a Truck provides an all-encompassing solution for local moves.

Get a Quote (607) 644-7509

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Two Men and a Truck
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Mesa Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 3280355

Years in Business: 6

1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Mesa Moving & Storage, operating since 2020, offers comprehensive local residential moving services in and around Helena, MT. Known for their impressive Google rating of 4.7 from 159 reviews and a stellar A+ BBB rating, they consistently outshine many nearby competitors. While their Yelp reviews suggest some mixed experiences, their overall consumer feedback remains highly positive. In addition to local moves, Mesa Moving & Storage excels in packing, unpacking, and crating services, and caters to specialized needs like moving pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With no deposit required and both cash and credit card payments accepted, they provide a flexible and reputable choice for those seeking reliable local movers.

Get a Quote (406) 442-9470

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Mesa Moving and Storage Helena, LLC
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Baker Transfer & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5

DOT #: 469163

Years in Business: 13

706 Daniel St Suite 1, Billings, MT 59102

Baker Transfer & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Billings, MT since 2012. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they stand out by offering packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, as well as the capability to move specialty items like pianos, pool tables, and safes. While their Yelp reviews average 3.3 stars, their Google My Business profile boasts a more favorable 4.2-star average, and they hold an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other moving companies in the area, Baker Transfer & Storage’s long-standing reputation and extensive service offerings make them a compelling choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (406) 245-3147

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Montana Transfer

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.28 / 5

DOT #: 514197

Years in Business: 61

209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808

Montana Transfer, a reputable moving company established in 1965, offers local residential moving services in and around Missoula, MT. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average rating of 3.8 from 68 Google reviews, Montana Transfer outshines many local competitors despite mixed feedback on Yelp. They provide a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and the fragile-only packing if needed, accommodating specialized needs such as piano and art moving. Montana Transfer accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (406) 728-8080

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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The best Montana to Illinois moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Montana and drop it off at your new home in Illinois.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Montana to Illinois moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Montana to Illinois, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Montana to Illinois labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Montana to Illinois:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to IL movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 9 Montana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

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 Montana to Illinois?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Montana to Illinois for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,656 - $6,607 $1,209 - $2,910 $995 - $1,940
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,922 - $9,134 $2,039 - $4,033 $1,107 - $2,353
4+ bedrooms $7,096 - $12,754 $2,768 - $5,585 $1,449 - $2,760

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,370 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Montana to Illinoistoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Montana to Illinois will cost between $1,656 and $6,607. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MT to IL will range from $3,922 to $9,134, and a large move from Montana to Illinois will cost from $7,096 to $12,754.

Cost of moving containers from Montana to Illinoistoggle

Moving containers from Montana to Illinois will cost you $1,209 to $2,910 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,039 to $4,033. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,768 to $5,585. 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 Illinoistoggle

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 $995 to $1,940. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,107 to $2,353, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Montana to Illinois costs from $1,449 to $2,760.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to ILtoggle

There are many factors that influence Montana moving costs. The cost to move from Montana to Illinois will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Montana is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • 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

If you’re moving to Illinois from Montana, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Montana vs. Illinois

Montana Illinois
Average rent cost $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%
  • Rent is about 21% more expensive in Illinois than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 46% lower in Illinois than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 18% higher in Illinois than in Montana.
  • Cost of living is 10% lower in Illinois than in Montana.
  • Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 61%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in Illinois than in Montana.
  • Income taxes are 27% lower in Illinois than in Montana.

How life is different in Illinois vs. Montana

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
  • The population of Illinois is approximately 1,008% greater than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually versus 49 inches of snow in Montana.
  • Illinois has a lower crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 23.37.

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

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 Montana for 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 movetoggle

  • Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Illinoistoggle

While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Millennium Park
  • Navy Pier
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  • Dana-Thomas House
  • Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
  • Discovery Center Museum
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Grand View Drive
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park
  • Matthiessen State Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Montana to Illinois?toggle

Hiring a full-service Montana moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Montana to Illinois?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Montana to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Montana to Illinois?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Montana to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Illinois?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Montana. Housing is much more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 21% less and home prices 46.1% 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?toggle

You should make approximately $80,838 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois. The cost of living in Illinois is approximately $3,569 per month for an individual and $7,930 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Illinois you live For example, larger cities like Chicago and Aurora will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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