Moving from Tennessee to Illinois (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 500-mile interstate move from Tennessee to Illinois. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 1,159 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Tennessee to Illinois?
The rates below are based on 1,159 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 500-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 - $3,310 | $670 - $1,580 | $410 - $720 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,140 - $5,480 | $1,190 - $2,410 | $440 - $880 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,940 - $7,860 | $1,650 - $3,130 | $550 - $1,050 |
Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 85% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
22% of movers in Tennessee offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Tennessee to Illinois move
The ranges above cover loading, 500 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Tennessee to Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $620 - $1,610 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $380 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $290 - $810 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $350 - $550 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 500-mile haul.
41% of movers in Tennessee handle piano moves, 11% handle pool tables, and 25% handle safes. 8% of Tennessee movers require a deposit to book, and 14% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Tennessee to Illinois Movers
These movers average a 89% positive review rate among Tennessee movers we track.
Compare movers for your Tennessee to Illinois move
We track and rate long-distance movers based in Tennessee year-round — here's how the top options for a Illinois move stack up against each other:
2% of Tennessee movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
223 Threet Industrial Road, Smyrna, TN 37167
2000 Stuart Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406
2609 Cruzen St, Nashville, TN 37211
1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN 37909
2709 Locust Street, Nashville, TN 37207
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Alternate Tennessee to Illinois moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Tennessee to Illinois move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 85% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Tennessee run $61 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Illinois end. 36% of movers in Tennessee offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Tennessee on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Illinois for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $315 - $820 to rent in Tennessee, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Tennessee to Illinois move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Illinois to Tennessee guide.
Tennessee to Illinois cost of living comparison
Moving from Tennessee to Illinois means adjusting to a different cost of living, job market, and housing landscape. Our moving trends data across major U.S. routes shows these are the factors that most commonly shape a relocation like this one:
| Factor | Tennessee | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 90 |
| Average household income | $64,035 | $78,433 |
| Median home value | $319,208 | $249,224 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,047 | $1,179 |
| Average sales tax | 9.55% | 8.82% |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 19.7 |
| College graduation rate | 30.48% | 37.14% |
| Population | 7,126,489 | 12,549,689 |
The cost of living in Illinois is comparable to Tennessee, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
Illinois's largest industries are Manufacturing ($37.6 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($22 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Tennessee to Illinois
How does the cost of living in Illinois compare to Tennessee?
Illinois's cost of living index of 90 is about the same as Tennessee's 90 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel familiar. Average rent runs $1,047 in Tennessee versus $1,179 in Illinois. Crime index is 29.24 in Tennessee vs 19.7 in Illinois. 37.14% of Illinois adults hold a college degree, versus 30.48% in Tennessee.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Tennessee at Tennessee's official regulatorandin Illinois at Illinois's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Tennessee to Illinois move?
People making this move are often chasing home of Chicago in Illinois.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 55% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $70 - $230, and long carries over 75ft add $110 - $360. Shuttle service costs $180 - $520 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $120 - $1,210 here), specialty items like pianos run $290 - $810 each, and storage-in-transit is $160 - $380 per month. 8% of Tennessee movers also require a deposit.
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $130 - $600 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Among Tennessee movers, 12.69% offer a military discount, 2.54% offer a senior discount, and 0.51% offer a student discount. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
Popular Tennessee to Illinois moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Tennessee to Illinois corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Tennessee to Illinois: the bottom line
The cost to move from Tennessee to Illinois depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 85% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 500-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.