When relocating from West Virginia to Illinois, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,169 to
$5,288, roughly
$1,872 for a container move, and close to
$720
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to Illinois?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,129 – $3,365 | $673 – $1,674 | $447 – $793 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,169 – $5,288 | $1,288 – $2,457 | $468 – $972 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,891 – $7,835 | $1,604 – $3,053 | $585 – $1,233 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,129 – $3,365
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,169 – $5,288
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,891 – $7,835
How much do moving containers cost from West Virginia to Illinois?
- Small move: $673 – $1,674
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,288 – $2,457
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,604 – $3,053
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $447 – $793
- 2–3 bedrooms: $468 – $972
- 4+ bedrooms: $585 – $1,233
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 612-mile move from WV to IL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 WV to IL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| West Virginia | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $899 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $168,172 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,217 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.2% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 4.95% |
Will rent be more expensive in Illinois?
Rent is about 31% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia.
Avg rent: $899 vs. $1,179
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 48% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia.
Avg home value: $168,172 vs. $249,224
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 42% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia.
Avg income (per capita): $55,217 vs. $78,433
Is the overall cost of living higher in Illinois?
The cost of living is about the same in West Virginia and Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 47% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 8.82%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 24% lower in Illinois than in West Virginia.
State income tax: 6.5% vs. 4.95%
How is daily life different in Illinois compared to West Virginia?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Illinois | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 1,782,959 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 45″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 33″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 17.47 |
Will Illinois feel more crowded than West Virginia?
Illinois is about 604% more populous than West Virginia — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic while West Virginia voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (17°F vs. 21°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Illinois?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (40″ vs. 45″).
Snow: Illinois gets less snow (22 inches vs. 33 inches).
Is Illinois safer than West Virginia?
Illinois has a higher crime index than West Virginia (19.7 vs. 17.47). 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 West Virginia to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check 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: 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: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Illinois?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
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?
No moving permit is required in Illinois, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) 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.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
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