($1,075) Cost of Moving From Wisconsin to Illinois
Quick answer: The average cost to move from Wisconsin to Illinois ranges from $390 to $5,482 and takes one–four days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to Wisconsin guide.
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The best Wisconsin to Illinois full-service movers
Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Wisconsin for your Illinois relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- EC Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Eric's Moving and Delivery Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.58 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
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
Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.

DOT #: 514341
Years in Business: 78
15700 W Lincoln, New Berlin, WI 53151Schroeder Moving Systems Inc., a reputable moving company based in New Berlin, WI, has been offering outstanding local residential moving services since 1948. They stand out with an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Consumer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 5.0 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Schroeder Moving Systems accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a reliable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.
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
Eagle Moving & Storage Co

DOT #: 689374
Years in Business: 94
929 West Bruce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 USEagle Moving & Storage Co, a trusted moving company in Milwaukee, WI, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1931. With a solid history and a high BBB rating of A+, they stand out among other nearby movers for their experience and reputation. Consumer feedback reveals a strong presence on Google with an average rating of 4.2 out of 127 reviews, and they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and office moves. Known for their flexibility, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, ensuring a hassle-free moving experience for local customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 689374
The best Wisconsin to Illinois moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Wisconsin and drop it off at your new home in Illinois.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best Wisconsin to Illinois moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Wisconsin 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:
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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
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 29 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Illinois?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Wisconsin to Illinois for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,075 - $3,556 | $747 - $1,747 | $346 - $668 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,874 - $5,482 | $1,277 - $2,343 | $390 - $724 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,605 - $7,509 | $1,650 - $3,210 | $449 - $915 |
*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
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to Illinois will cost between $1,075 and $3,556. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to IL will range from $1,874 to $5,482, and a large move from Wisconsin to Illinois will cost from $2,605 to $7,509.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Illinois
Moving containers from Wisconsin to Illinois will cost you $747 to $1,747 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,277 to $2,343. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,650 to $3,210. 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
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$346 to $668.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$390 to $724,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Wisconsin to Illinois costs from
$449 to $915.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
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
Wisconsin | Illinois | |
---|---|---|
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 is about 7% more expensive in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
- Home prices are about 19% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
- The average income is about 8% higher in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
- Cost of living is 9% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
- Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 83%.
- Sales taxes are 62% higher in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
- Income taxes are 35% lower in Illinois than in Wisconsin.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Wisconsin
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 |
- The population of Illinois is approximately 112% greater than the population of Wisconsin.
- In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and Wisconsin voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
- In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually versus 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
- Illinois has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 16.82.
Comparing the pros of Wisconsin 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 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
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 Wisconsin for Illinois.
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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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 know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Millennium Park
- Navy Pier
- The Magnificent Mile
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Starved Rock State Park
- Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- Dana-Thomas House
- Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
- Discovery Center Museum
- Buffalo Rock State Park
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Grand View Drive
- Mississippi Palisades State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Wisconsin to Illinois?
Hiring a full-service Wisconsin moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Wisconsin to Illinois?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Wisconsin to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Wisconsin to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from Wisconsin to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Wisconsin or Illinois?
It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Wisconsin. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 7% less and home prices 18.7% lower than in Wisconsin. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Wisconsin residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $80,838 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois. The cost of living in Illinois is approximately $3,569 per month for an individual and $7,930 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Illinois you live For example, larger cities like Chicago and Aurora will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.