When moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,082–$5,399 with professional movers, roughly
$1,969 for a moving container, and about
$891
for a rental truck.
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The best local moving companies in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are 87 interstate moving companies available to accommodate your move to Illinois. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in Pennsylvania, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Zippy Shell: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Armstrong Relocation, a local moving company in Mount Joy, PA, has been providing residential moving services since 1950. They distinguish themselves with a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, as well as the expertise to move pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many nearby competitors, Armstrong Relocation accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive 205 reviews on Google averaging 4.7 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their strong reputation is a testament to their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8920700
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3078473
Alternate Names: Forward Moving, LLC.
Forward Moving LLC, serving Exton, PA, has been the reliable choice for local residential moving since 2018. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they handle everything from simple packing and unpacking to more specialized tasks like moving pianos, art, and antiques. While their Yelp reviews average a 3.9 rating from 11 reviewers, their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.9 average from 274 reviews, and they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Forward Moving LLC accepts credit cards and provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3060008
Alternate Names: Masha Mobile Moving and Storage, LLC
Zippy Shell, a local moving company based in Pottstown, PA, has been serving the community since 2019. Renowned for their exceptional customer service, they boast an impressive 4.3 rating on Yelp from 39 reviews and an even higher 4.6 rating from 168 reviews on Google My Business, along with an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many of their competitors, Zippy Shell offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, making them a one-stop-shop for all moving needs. Additionally, they are equipped to move delicate items such as pianos and antiques, ensuring a secure and efficient relocation process. For those looking for trusted local residential movers, Zippy Shell stands out as a reliable and highly-rated choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8919262
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: BLL Charles Inc
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been serving the Glenshaw, PA area with reliable local residential moving services since 2018. Renowned for its comprehensive offerings, such as office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, this company stands out among local competitors. Clients appreciate their no-deposit policy and credit card payment options, evidenced by an impressive 4.7-star average from 853 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though Yelp reviews are more mixed. Overall, College Hunks offers a trustworthy and versatile moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
South Hills Movers, a trusted name in Bethel Park, PA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1931. With an impressive array of offerings that include packing, unpacking, and specialized services for moving pianos, art, and antiques, they cater to a wide range of customer needs. While their Yelp profile shows a modest rating, they boast a stronger 4.1 average on Google and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a generally positive reputation. Compared to other nearby movers, South Hills Movers stands out for their long history and comprehensive service options, making them a reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best Pennsylvania to Illinois moving container companies
Moving containers help you save money without having to do all the heavy lifting. You load and unload your stuff, while the company handles all the driving, picking up your container in Pennsylvania and dropping it off at your new home in Illinois.
Check out our top picks for the best moving container companies:
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The best Pennsylvania to Illinois moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Pennsylvania to Illinois? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you’ll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best Pennsylvania to Illinois labor-only movers
Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.
When you’re getting ready to move from Pennsylvania to Illinois, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to IL move
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 | $1,067 – $3,905 | $751 – $1,802 | $540 – $927 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,082 – $5,399 | $1,260 – $2,679 | $589 – $1,193 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,637 – $7,130 | $1,706 – $3,349 | $673 – $1,404 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 734-mile relocation from PA to IL, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 04, 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 $1,067 and $3,905. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,082 and $5,399 for the same journey (PA to IL). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,637 to $7,130.
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 $751 and $1,802. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,260 and $2,679. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,706 to $3,349. 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 $540 to $927. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $589 to $1,193, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Pennsylvania to Illinois costs around $673 to $1,404.
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:
- How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
- The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Pennsylvania when demand for movers is highest.
- 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% |
- Rent is about 6% higher in Illinois than in Pennsylvania. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 |
- 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.
- In the most recent presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic, while Pennsylvania went Republican.
- 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.
- 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.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
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What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois?
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Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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