($1,304) Cost of Moving From South Carolina to Illinois

Quick answer: Moving from South Carolina to Illinois usually costs between $731 and $7,079, with most moves taking about two–seven days. Your actual price will depend on the size of your home, the time of your move, and whether you hire pros or go the DIY route.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to South Carolina guide.

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The best South Carolina to Illinois full-service movers

Thinking about moving from South Carolina to Illinois? With so many movers out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork, digging into reviews, comparing pricing, and analyzing each mover’s services, to bring you the best interstate moving companies.

Kick off your move from South Carolina to Illinois with these highly rated long-distance moving pros in South Carolina.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in South Carolina

With so many movers to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in South Carolina. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.

  1. HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Carey Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars

HD Auston Moving Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 271654

Years in Business: 79

200 Pate Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 US

HD Auston Moving Systems, with its home base in Greenville, SC, is a seasoned moving firm that has been in business since 1945. They offer a comprehensive selection of services which sets them apart from other local competitors. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving, they also extend services into office relocations. Their professional team is even equipped to handle special items, such as pianos. They pride themselves on their customer service, offering both packing and unpacking services, as well as crating services for those hard-to-pack or valuable items. Unlike many of its competitors, HD Auston Moving Systems accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, which adds to the convenience when planning a move. HD Auston Moving Systems has a varied online reputation with a modest 2.5 rating from 13 Yelp reviews, but a much stronger 4.7 average from an impressive 183 Google My Business reviews. This suggests that while there may be a few mixed opinions, the majority of customers are highly satisfied. Their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ further emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and business ethics. Overall, HD Auston Moving Systems shows a long history of quality service and a robust client-friendly approach.

Get a Quote (864) 523-0559

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27

854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526 US

Two Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (843) 485-0343

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Reliable Service Group Inc
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Ballantyne & Beyond Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2557751

Years in Business: 16

1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707

Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.

Get a Quote (803) 547-1800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 2557751
  • State license #: 9784-A
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Smooth Move Charleston

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2357653

Years in Business: 12

4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 US

Smooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.

Get a Quote (843) 860-9717

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Go Smooth Move, LLC
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Carey Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 076235

Years in Business: 117

1 Shelter Drive, Greer, SC 29650 US

Carey Moving & Storage has been serving Greer, SC, and its surrounding areas since 1908, offering reliable local residential moving services. Unlike some nearby movers, Carey also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services. Despite mixed reviews—with a low average rating on Yelp and a solid 4.1 rating on Google—the company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, signaling overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a flexible and trusted choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (864) 877-6683

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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The best South Carolina to Illinois moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in South Carolina and delivering it to your new place in Illinois.

Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best South Carolina to Illinois moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from South Carolina to Illinois, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best South Carolina to Illinois labor-only movers

If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.

Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from South Carolina to Illinois.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 16
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.76 / 5
  • Years in Business: 12
  • Yelp: 3.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to IL movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

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 South Carolina to Illinois?

Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from South Carolina to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,304 - $4,710 $934 - $2,409 $727 - $1,344
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,773 - $7,079 $1,645 - $3,348 $731 - $1,644
4+ bedrooms $4,651 - $9,594 $2,326 - $4,419 $953 - $1,976

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 831 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Illinois

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to Illinois, you can expect prices to land between $1,304 and $4,710. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,773 to $7,079 for the trip from SC to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,651 and $9,594.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Illinois

If you’re relocating from South Carolina to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $934 and $2,409 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,645 up to $3,348. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,326 and $4,419. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina 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 $727 and $1,344. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $731 and $1,644. Planning a move from South Carolina to Illinois or relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $953 up to $1,976 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to IL

There are many factors that influence South Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in South Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from SC to IL

If you’re moving to Illinois from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Illinois

Before you move, take a moment to compare the cost of living in South Carolina and Illinois. This simple side-by-side comparison highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment so you can see exactly how your budget may change. See how both states measure up on the essentials that impact your finances:

South Carolina Illinois
Average rent cost $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%
  • Rent costs 11% more in Illinois compared to South Carolina. Be sure to factor this increase into your monthly budget.
  • Home prices in Illinois are about 16% lower than in South Carolina, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
  • Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 23% higher in Illinois compared to South Carolina. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
  • Living in Illinois costs about 6% less than in South Carolina. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
  • Illinois’s unemployment rate is about 13% higher than South Carolina’s. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
  • Sales taxes are 18% higher in Illinois compared to South Carolina. You'll probably spend more on everyday taxable items such as clothing, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
  • Income taxes are 29% lower in Illinois compared to South Carolina. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.

How life is different in Illinois vs. South Carolina

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 South Carolina across important lifestyle factors:

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
  • The population of Illinois is approximately 134% greater than the population of South Carolina. With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF. Moving to a cooler summer climate can bring relief from extreme heat, lower energy bills, and make it more comfortable outdoors, an appealing choice for those who value comfort and outdoor accessibility.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches about 17ºF and South Carolina only gets down to 33ºF. Moving to Illinois with its colder winters means you need to prepare for higher heating costs, possible lifestyle shifts, and more intense weather, but it can also offer unique seasonal experiences and beauty.
  • You can expect only about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina. Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
  • In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually while South Carolina gets only about 1 inch of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
  • Illinois has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 28.0. 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 South Carolina vs. Illinois

Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Illinois to South Carolina.

Pros of living in South Carolina Pros of living in Illinois
Warm southern hospitality Home of Chicago
Plentiful outdoor activities Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful landscapes Bountiful recreational opportunities
Consistently gorgeous weather Delicious food
Rich historical significance World-class sports culture

Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina 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 South Carolina for Illinois.

Cons of living in South Carolina Cons of living in Illinois
High cost of living Harsh winter weather
Hurricane frequency Bad traffic
Low quality of healthcare High crime rate
High taxes Dull landscape
Abundance of construction Strict laws

Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Illinois move

  • Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
  • HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • 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: Easily verify the status of a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Illinois, but be sure to check local parking regulations before 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.
  • Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called "released value protection," free of charge. 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

Get excited to explore Illinois. Don’t miss these top spots 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 South Carolina to Illinois? toggle

If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service South Carolina moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Illinois? toggle

Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from South Carolina to Illinois using a top-rated auto transport company.

What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Illinois? toggle

An increasing number of people are relocating from South Carolina 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 South Carolina or Illinois? toggle

Living in Illinois usually costs less than in South Carolina. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 11% less and home prices 15.7% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois? toggle

Thinking of moving to Illinois on your own? You’ll want to earn around $80,838 to cover your expenses comfortably. If you’re living on your own, expect to spend about $3,569 per month, or around $7,930 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.

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