($1,141) Cost of Moving From Wisconsin to Illinois
Quick answer: Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois usually costs between $374 and $5,757, with most moves taking about one–four 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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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to Wisconsin guide.
Our track record
The best Wisconsin to Illinois full-service movers
Planning a move from Wisconsin to Illinois? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.
Start your move from Wisconsin to Illinois with these top-rated long-distance movers in Wisconsin.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Wisconsin
With so many options, finding a dependable local moving company isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in Wisconsin, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- EC Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Above Average Moving LLC

DOT #: 2595339
Years in Business: 9
1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI 53704 USAbove Average Moving LLC, a reputable local moving company based in Madison, WI, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2017. With high average ratings on Yelp (4.4) and Google My Business (4.8), alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and office moving, and they stand out by not requiring a deposit and accepting credit cards. If you're looking for a trusted and efficient mover in Madison, Above Average Moving LLC is a dependable choice.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2595339
- State license #: 26753
Alternative Business Names
- Above Average Moving LLC
EC Moving & Storage, Inc.

DOT #: 125550
Years in Business: 31
3230 Hogarth St, Eau Claire, WI 54703EC Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Eau Claire, WI since 1993. This reputable company stands out among nearby movers with its comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, piano and art moving capabilities, and the convenience of accepting credit cards with no deposit required. Customers consistently praise their reliability and professionalism, reflected in their impressive 4.8 average rating on Google from 30 reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. EC Moving & Storage, Inc. ensures a seamless moving experience for all local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 125550
Alternative Business Names
- Atlas Van Lines
Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.

DOT #: 514341
Years in Business: 77
2720 E Winslow Ave, Appleton, WI 54911Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. has been delivering reliable local residential moving services in and around Appleton, WI since 1948. While their Yelp reviews average at 2.4 stars, their Google My Business profile shines with an average rating of 4.2 stars, and they boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, Schroeder Moving Systems offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialty moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. This seasoned mover accepts credit cards and provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 514341
Alternative Business Names
- Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 31
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI 53718 USTwo Men and a Truck has been providing local residential moving services in and around Madison, WI since 1994, establishing a solid reputation for reliability. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, catering to diverse moving needs. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, ensuring a hassle-free payment experience. Consumer reviews vary, with an impressive 4.6 average rating on Google My Business from 553 reviews and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although Yelp reviews are more mixed.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc.

DOT #: 3088976
Years in Business: 8
1501 St Andrew St #411, La Crosse, WI 54601Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc., based in La Crosse, WI, has been serving local residents since 2018 with a reliable focus on residential moving services. With a strong presence in the area, they stand out among nearby moving companies by offering comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, including specialized handling for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers appreciate their flexibility, notably the acceptance of credit cards and the absence of a required deposit. Consumer reviews reflect a generally positive sentiment with a stellar Google rating of 4.5 from 162 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though their Yelp rating averages at 3.5 from 10 reviews. This positions Eric's Moving and Delivery as a reputable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3088976
Alternative Business Names
- Eric's Moving and Delivery
- Eric's Moving and Delivery Service
- Kvamers Emergency Moving
The best Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin and delivering it to your new place in Illinois.
Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:
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The best Wisconsin to Illinois moving truck rentals
If you're looking to cut costs on your move from Wisconsin to Illinois, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you'll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Wisconsin to Illinois labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Wisconsin to Illinois:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to IL move
How much does it cost to move from Wisconsin to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Wisconsin 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 | $1,141 - $3,551 | $703 - $1,729 | $345 - $675 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,930 - $5,757 | $1,369 - $2,515 | $374 - $776 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,604 - $7,582 | $1,805 - $3,336 | $453 - $932 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 255 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 Wisconsin to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to Illinois typically costs between $1,141 and $3,551. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,930 and $5,757 when moving from WI to IL. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Wisconsin to Illinois, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,604 up to $7,582.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Illinois
Moving containers from Wisconsin to Illinois will cost you $703 to $1,729 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,369 to $2,515. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,805 to $3,336. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $345 and $675. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $374 to $776. If you’re heading from Wisconsin to Illinois or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $453 and $932.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from WI to IL
There are many factors that influence Wisconsin moving costs. The cost to move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 WI to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from Wisconsin, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Wisconsin vs. Illinois
Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in Wisconsin and Illinois. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:
Wisconsin | Illinois | |
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Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent costs 7% more in Illinois compared to Wisconsin. Be sure to factor this increase into your monthly budget.
- Home prices in Illinois are about 19% lower than in Wisconsin, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
- Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 8% higher in Illinois compared to Wisconsin. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
- Living in Illinois costs about 9% less than in Wisconsin. 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 83% higher than Wisconsin’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 62% higher in Illinois compared to Wisconsin. You'll probably spend more on everyday taxable items such as clothing, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
- Income taxes are 35% lower in Illinois compared to Wisconsin. 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. Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin compares across key lifestyle indicators:
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 |
- If you’re moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, you’ll find Illinois has about 112% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
- In the most recent presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Wisconsin went with Republican.
- Summer in Illinois can reach highs of 86ºF, compared to Wisconsin, which usually peaks at 81ºF. With more sunshine and outdoor activities, be prepared for increased cooling costs and a warmer climate than you might be used to.
- Winter temperatures in Illinois hover around 17ºF, while Wisconsin can dip to a chilly 7ºF. By making the move to Illinois, you’ll enjoy gentler winters, making life a bit easier and often more affordable. Plus, with less snow and cold, you’ll have more chances to get outdoors. If you’re ready to swap snow shovels for sunnier days, this is the perfect change for you.
- for about 40 inches of rain each year in Illinois—a big shift from the 34 inches you’re used to in Wisconsin. While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
- In Illinois, you’ll get about 22 inches of snow each year, far less than the 48 inches you’d see in Wisconsin. That means moving to Illinois will bring milder winters with less shoveling, less upkeep, and fewer weather headaches, making life in the colder months a whole lot easier.
- Illinois has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin, with a crime index of 19.7 compared to 16.82. While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it's smart to research neighborhoods, stay update
Comparing the pros of Wisconsin vs. Illinois
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Illinois to Wisconsin.
Pros of living in Wisconsin | Pros of living in Illinois |
---|---|
Low cost of living | Home of Chicago |
High quality of life | Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant outdoor recreational activities | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Unique tasty food | Delicious food |
Borders great lakes | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Wisconsin vs. Illinois
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from Wisconsin to Illinois, keep these tips in mind.
Cons of living in Wisconsin | Cons of living in Illinois |
---|---|
High tax burden | Harsh winter weather |
Extreme seasonal weather | Bad traffic |
Lack of diversity | High crime rate |
Poor roads | Dull landscape |
High rate of alcoholism | Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Wisconsin 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