How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to IL move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 101 Virginia moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Virginia to Illinois.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,096 – $3,595 |
$690 – $1,726 |
$540 – $1,015 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,012 – $5,145 |
$1,334 – $2,492 |
$571 – $1,148 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,459 – $7,106 |
$1,824 – $3,479 |
$737 – $1,377 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 769-mile move from VA to
IL using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to Illinois
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Virginia to Illinois,
you can expect prices to land between $1,096
and $3,595.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,012 to
$5,145 for the trip from VA
to IL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,459 and
$7,106.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to Illinois
Moving containers from Virginia to Illinois
will cost you $690 to
$1,726 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,334
to $2,492. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,824 to
$3,479.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$540
and $1,015
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $571
to $1,148.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$737
to $1,377.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to IL
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Virginia to Illinois. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Virginia generally comes with a higher price tag.
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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 VA to IL
Making the move from Virginia to Illinois means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Illinois
A clear look at the cost differences between Virginia and Illinois helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Virginia |
Illinois |
| Average rent |
$1,440 |
$1,179 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$78,433 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
5.3% |
| Average sales tax |
5.73% |
8.82% |
| State income tax |
5.75% |
4.95% |
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You’ll pay about 18% less in rent in Illinois compared to Virginia, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Illinois are around 37% lower than in Virginia. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 10% lower Illinois than in Virginia.
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Living in Illinois costs about 10% less than in Virginia. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Illinois is roughly 83% higher than in Virginia. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Sales taxes are 54% higher in Illinois than in Virginia, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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Income taxes in Illinois are 14% lower than in Virginia. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Virginia
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Illinois and Virginia compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Illinois |
Virginia |
| Population |
12,549,689 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 55-45 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
14″ |
| Crime index |
19.7 |
19.3 |
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Illinois has a population that’s about 44% larger than Virginia.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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Virginia and Illinois both voted Democratic in the last election.
-
Summer highs average 86°F in Illinois, compared to 87°F in Virginia.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
In winter, Illinois reaches lows near 17°F, colder than 25°F in Virginia.
Colder winters call for preparation, higher heating use, and adapting to brisker conditions — but they also bring a classic winter atmosphere.
-
You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois and 44 inches in Virginia.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
Each year, Illinois gets about 22 inches of snow, while Virginia sees only 14 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Both Illinois and Virginia have similar crime rates (19.3).
Keep in mind, though, that crime rates can differ significantly from one city or neighborhood to another, so be sure to check local statistics for more accurate information.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to Virginia:
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Illinois |
| Strong economy |
Home of chicago |
| Beautiful scenery |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Delicious food |
| Strong military presence |
World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Illinois
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Virginia to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Illinois |
| High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
| Unpredictable weather |
Bad traffic |
| Bad traffic congestion |
High crime rate |
| Lack of public transportation |
Dull landscape |
| Air noise pollution |
Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Virginia to Illinois move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Illinois moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
-
Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Illinois, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on time. 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:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
You’ll have plenty to explore in Illinois! Check out these top spots 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 Virginia to Illinois?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Illinois?
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Illinois?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Virginia for Illinois, drawn by advantages like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Illinois?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Virginia.
Housing
is more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 37% lower than in Virginia.
Taxes are also
lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Illinois, you should aim to make around $83,234.
On average, expect to spend about $3,434 per month, or $7,489 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Virginia?
Many movers in Virginia publish special-rate programs:
3 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
1 provide student pricing;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Virginia to Illinois, budget between $2,012–$5,145 for full-service movers, around
$1,913 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$859
for a rental truck.
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