Moving from North Dakota to Illinois (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 933-mile interstate move from North Dakota to Illinois. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 663 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from North Dakota to Illinois?
The rates below are based on 663 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 933-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,420 - $5,610 | $780 - $1,890 | $610 - $1,160 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,910 - $6,560 | $1,510 - $2,770 | $670 - $1,380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,550 - $8,940 | $1,980 - $3,550 | $820 - $1,760 |
Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 80% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
8% of movers in North Dakota offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a North Dakota to Illinois move
The ranges above cover loading, 933 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (North Dakota to Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $500 - $1,290 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $410 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $840 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $260 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $520 - $780 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 933-mile haul.
38% of movers in North Dakota handle piano moves, 15% handle pool tables, and 27% handle safes. 8% of North Dakota movers require a deposit to book, and 15% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended North Dakota to Illinois Movers
These movers average a 92% positive review rate among North Dakota movers we track.
Compare movers for your North Dakota to Illinois move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the North Dakota long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Illinois:
0% of North Dakota movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
633 13th St NE, Unit A, West Fargo, ND 58078
3317 Fiechtner Dr, #1, Fargo, ND 58103
1400 Burlington Dr #2D, Bismarck, ND 58504
541 16th St NE, West Fargo, ND 58078
3709 Grandwood Dr, North Fargo, ND 58102
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Alternate North Dakota to Illinois moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a North Dakota to Illinois move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in North Dakota run $61 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Illinois end. 14% of movers in North Dakota offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in North Dakota on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Illinois for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $317 - $815 to rent in North Dakota, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your North Dakota to Illinois move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Illinois to North Dakota guide.
North Dakota to Illinois cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a North Dakota to Illinois move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | North Dakota | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 96 | 90 |
| Average household income | $73,959 | $78,433 |
| Median home value | $263,410 | $249,224 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.95% |
| Average monthly rent | $912 | $1,179 |
| Average sales tax | 6.96% | 8.82% |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 19.7 |
| College graduation rate | 31.74% | 37.14% |
| Population | 783,926 | 12,549,689 |
Illinois's cost of living index of 90 is lower than North Dakota's 96, making affordability a common driver of this move. Lower housing costs and everyday expenses can offset the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first 1 - 2 years.
Illinois's largest industries are Manufacturing ($37.6 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($22 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from North Dakota to Illinois
How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
Book 4-8 weeks ahead for off-season moves (October-April), or 8-12 weeks ahead for peak season (mid-May-mid-September). This 933-mile route runs North Dakota to Illinois.
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $70 - $230, and long carries over 75ft add $110 - $360. Shuttle service costs $180 - $520 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $140 - $1,440 here), specialty items like pianos run $300 - $840 each, and storage-in-transit is $160 - $380 per month. 8% of North Dakota movers also require a deposit.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in North Dakota at North Dakota's official regulatorandin Illinois at Illinois's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a North Dakota to Illinois move?
People making this move are often chasing home of Chicago in Illinois.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Should I ship my car when moving from North Dakota to Illinois?
The choice to ship versus drive your car comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for a North Dakota to Illinois move typically costs $600 - $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, with open transport cheaper than enclosed. Most people ship when the drive would take more than 2 days, or they're relocating more than 1 vehicle.
Popular North Dakota to Illinois moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the North Dakota to Illinois corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from North Dakota to Illinois: the bottom line
The cost to move from North Dakota to Illinois depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 80% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 933-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.