Best Movers From Wisconsin to Illinois (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, you’ll likely pay between $1,578–$4,310 with professional movers, roughly
$1,492 for a moving container, and about
$436
for a rental truck.
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$845 — $4,310 Top local mover
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$845 — $5,504 Top long-distance mover
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$599 — $2,475 Top container company
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$291 — $684 Top truck rental
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$59 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Wisconsin to Illinois
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Wisconsin to Illinois.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Wisconsin to Illinois
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 28, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 02, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 01, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 06, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 03, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Wisconsin to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $845 – $2,911 | $599 – $1,401 | $291 – $495 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,578 – $4,310 | $1,066 – $1,919 | $285 – $587 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,049 – $5,504 | $1,297 – $2,475 | $372 – $684 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $845 – $2,911
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,578 – $4,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,049 – $5,504
How much do moving containers cost from Wisconsin to Illinois?
- Small move: $599 – $1,401
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,066 – $1,919
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,297 – $2,475
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $291 – $495
- 2–3 bedrooms: $285 – $587
- 4+ bedrooms: $372 – $684
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 265-mile move from WI to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 WI to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Wisconsin | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,100 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $306,566 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,458 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 5.43% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 7% higher in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
Avg rent: $1,100 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
Avg home value: $306,566 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 8% higher in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
Avg income (per capita): $72,458 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is 9% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
Cost of living index: 99 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 62% higher in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
Avg sales tax: 5.43% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 35% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
State income tax: 7.65% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to Wisconsin?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Illinois | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 5,910,955 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 48″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 16.82 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than Wisconsin?
Illinois is about 112% more populous than Wisconsin — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while Wisconsin voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Illinois is milder on average (17°F vs. 7°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Illinois gets more rain (40″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 48 inches).
Is Illinois safer than Wisconsin?
Illinois has a higher crime index than Wisconsin (19.7 vs. 16.82). 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 Wisconsin 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance 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.
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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
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.
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.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance 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.
Some movers in Wisconsin offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 2 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Wisconsin moving services
Popular Wisconsin routes
Popular moving resources
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