When moving from Rhode Island to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,418–$5,474 with professional movers, roughly
$2,218 for a moving container, and about
$1,074
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Rhode Island to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,021 – $4,269 | $845 – $1,982 | $668 – $1,281 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,418 – $5,474 | $1,500 – $2,936 | $700 – $1,448 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,710 – $7,483 | $2,087 – $4,107 | $934 – $1,892 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,021 – $4,269
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,418 – $5,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,710 – $7,483
How much do moving containers cost from Rhode Island to Illinois?
- Small move: $845 – $1,982
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,500 – $2,936
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,087 – $4,107
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $668 – $1,281
- 2–3 bedrooms: $700 – $1,448
- 4+ bedrooms: $934 – $1,892
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,081-mile move from RI to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from RI to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Rhode Island | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,195 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $467,485 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,370 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about the same in Rhode Island and Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,195 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 47% lower in Illinois than in Rhode Island.
Avg home value: $467,485 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Rhode Island and Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $81,370 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is 10% lower in Illinois than in Rhode Island.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 26% higher in Illinois than in Rhode Island.
Avg sales tax: 7.0% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 17% lower in Illinois than in Rhode Island.
State income tax: 5.99% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Rhode Island?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Illinois | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 1,093,734 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Democratic 56-44 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 35″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 14.58 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Rhode Island?
Illinois is about 1047% more populous than Rhode Island — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Rhode Island and Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (17°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets less rain (40″ vs. 50″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 35 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Rhode Island?
Illinois has a higher crime index than Rhode Island (19.7 vs. 14.58). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Illinois?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Rhode Island 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.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
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.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Illinois?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Illinois moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Illinois?
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“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.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
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.
Helpful moving resources
Rhode Island moving services
Popular Rhode Island routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
