How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to IL move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 106 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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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 Pennsylvania to Illinois?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania
to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,117 – $3,593 |
$690 – $1,811 |
$517 – $962 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,200 – $5,008 |
$1,268 – $2,462 |
$542 – $1,074 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,802 – $7,691 |
$1,752 – $3,236 |
$698 – $1,302 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 734-mile relocation from PA 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 Pennsylvania to Illinois
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Pennsylvania to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between
$1,117
and $3,593.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,200 and $5,008
for the same journey (PA to IL).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,802
to $7,691.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Illinois
When you’re heading from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $690 and
$1,811. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,268 and
$2,462. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,752
to $3,236. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania 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
$517
to $962.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $542
to $1,074, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Pennsylvania to Illinois costs around
$698 to
$1,302.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to IL
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Pennsylvania when demand for movers is highest.
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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 PA to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from Pennsylvania, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Illinois
Understanding how costs compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Pennsylvania |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
4.95% |
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Rent is about 6% higher in Illinois than in Pennsylvania. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Illinois are about 7% lower than in Pennsylvania. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
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You’re likely to earn about 7% more in Illinois than in Pennsylvania. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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The cost of living in Illinois is about 9% lower than in Pennsylvania. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
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The unemployment rate in Illinois is about 56% higher than in Pennsylvania. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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Sales taxes are 39% higher in Illinois than in Pennsylvania. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Illinois are 61% higher than in Pennsylvania, so you’ll be paying more in state taxes and taking home a bit less pay.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Illinois |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
17.62 |
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The population of Illinois and Pennsylvania is similar.
You’ll likely experience comparable scale and access, but the local vibe, economy, and lifestyle will determine how your new home feels day to day.
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In the most recent presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Pennsylvania went Republican.
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In Illinois, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 83°F in Pennsylvania.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
-
Winter temperatures usually fall to 17°F in Illinois and 19°F in Pennsylvania.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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In Illinois, you’ll see about 40 inches of rain each year — nearly identical to the 44 inches you’re used to in Pennsylvania.
While the overall rainfall stays pretty consistent, the timing and pattern of those showers might shake up your daily routine.
-
In Illinois, you’ll only get about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than Pennsylvania.
That means moving to Illinois brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
-
Illinois has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 19.7 compared to 17.62.
While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Illinois
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Illinois and Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Low cost of living |
Home of chicago |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Delicious food |
| Excellent education options |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania for Illinois:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| Harsh winter weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| Bad driving conditions |
Bad traffic |
| Nuclear power plants |
High crime rate |
| Unpredictable weather |
Dull landscape |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania 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.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Pennsylvania to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 6% less and home prices 7% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% 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.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Pennsylvania?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
In Pennsylvania, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 2 movers.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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When moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,200–$5,008 with professional movers, roughly
$1,865 for a moving container, and about
$808
for a rental truck.
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