When moving from South Carolina to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $2,138–$5,041 with professional movers, roughly
$2,011 for a moving container, and about
$927
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,123 – $3,939 | $728 – $1,822 | $549 – $1,099 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,138 – $5,041 | $1,308 – $2,714 | $623 – $1,231 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,513 – $7,544 | $1,721 – $3,407 | $713 – $1,539 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,123 – $3,939
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,138 – $5,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,513 – $7,544
How much do moving containers cost from South Carolina to Illinois?
- Small move: $728 – $1,822
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,308 – $2,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,721 – $3,407
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $549 – $1,099
- 2–3 bedrooms: $623 – $1,231
- 4+ bedrooms: $713 – $1,539
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 829-mile move from SC 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 SC to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Carolina | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,065 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 7.46% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 11% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
Avg rent: $1,065 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 16% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
Avg home value: $295,769 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 23% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
Avg income (per capita): $63,623 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is 6% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
Avg sales tax: 7.46% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 29% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
State income tax: 7.0% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to South Carolina?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Illinois | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 28.0 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than South Carolina?
Illinois is about 134% more populous than South Carolina — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while South Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Illinois is colder on average (17°F vs. 33°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets less rain (40″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Illinois gets more snow (22 inches vs. 1 inch).
Is Illinois safer than South Carolina?
Illinois has a lower crime index than South Carolina (19.7 vs. 28.0), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
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 South Carolina 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
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