How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to IL move
After studying pricing from 148 New York movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from New York to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from New York to Illinois.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$977 – $3,874 |
$782 – $1,825 |
$596 – $1,083 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,003 – $5,172 |
$1,404 – $2,807 |
$645 – $1,367 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,552 – $6,541 |
$1,926 – $3,607 |
$832 – $1,580 |
*Estimated costs for a 910-mile move from NY to
IL are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from New York to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York to Illinois will cost between
$977 and
$3,874.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NY to IL will
range from $2,003 to
$5,172, and a large move from New York
to Illinois will cost from $3,552
to $6,541.
Cost of moving containers from New York to Illinois
If you’re moving from New York to Illinois,
expect to pay between $782
and $1,825 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,404 up to
$2,807.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,926 and
$3,607. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$596 and
$1,083.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $645
and $1,367. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $832 up to
$1,580 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to IL
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from New York to Illinois. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in New York is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from NY to IL
A relocation from New York to Illinois comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: New York vs. Illinois
Comparing expenses in New York and Illinois shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
New York |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,507 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$482,742 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,386 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.4% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
8.52% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
10.9% |
4.95% |
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Expect to pay around 22% less in rent in Illinois than in New York, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 48% lower in Illinois than in New York.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Illinois and New York.
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Living in Illinois is about 10% cheaper than New York. That means big savings for you, but it’s still important to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is about 20% higher than in New York. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. New York and Illinois have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Income taxes are 55% lower in Illinois than in New York. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Illinois vs. New York
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Illinois stacks up against New York across important lifestyle factors:
|
Illinois |
New York |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
19,571,216 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
16ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
62″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
21.51 |
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With a population about 36% smaller than New York, Illinois offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both New York and Illinois supported the Democratic candidate.
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In Illinois, summer highs hover around 86°F, while New York sits at 81°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches about 17°F and New York gets down to 16°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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In Illinois, you’ll get about 40 inches of rain each year, while New York sees around 44 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Illinois, you can expect about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than the 62 inches you’d deal with in New York.
So, if you’re moving to Illinois, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
Illinois has a lower crime rate than New York with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 21.51.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of New York vs. Illinois
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Illinois versus New York:
| Pros of living in New York |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Natural beauty |
Home of chicago |
| Arts |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities |
Delicious food |
| Distinct seasons |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. Illinois
Moving from New York to Illinois comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in New York |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| High tax burden |
Harsh winter weather |
| Rough winter weather |
Bad traffic |
| High cost of living |
High crime rate |
| Poor quality healthcare |
Dull landscape |
| Populous |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your New York to Illinois move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
-
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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Illinois moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois without a hitch. Get started here.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Illinois
Get ready to discover all that Illinois has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 New York to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from New York to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from New York to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from New York 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 New York or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in New York.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 22% less and home prices 48% lower than in New York.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by New York residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $83,234 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois.
The cost of living in Illinois is about $3,434 per month for an individual and $7,489 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Chicago and Aurora tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New York?
Some movers in New York provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 7 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 6 movers.
Student savings are available through 2 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from New York to Illinois, expect to spend between
$2,003–$5,172 if using professional movers, about
$2,105 for a moving container, and around
$1,006
for a rental truck.
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