($1,448) Cost of Moving From West Virginia to Illinois

Quick answer: Moving from West Virginia to Illinois usually costs between $632 and $6,811, with most moves taking about one–six 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Illinois to West Virginia guide.

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best West Virginia to Illinois full-service movers

Planning a move from West Virginia to Illinois? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.

Start your journey from West Virginia to Illinois with these top-rated long-distance movers serving West Virginia.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in West Virginia

Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in West Virginia, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.

  1. Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  3. Central Van Lines: 4 out of 5 stars
  4. Abate Moving Services LLC: 3.96 out of 5 stars
  5. Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars

Central Van & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 076235

Years in Business: 28

37 Jacobson Drive, Charleston, WV 25159

Central Van & Storage, Inc., serving Charleston, WV, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1998. Known for their comprehensive services, they stand out by offering specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques, along with office moving services. Despite mixed online reviews—ranging from a low average on Yelp to a high 4.6 rating on Google—they maintain a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, indicating strong reliability and customer service. Unlike many competitors, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and do not require a deposit, making them a strong contender for anyone needing dependable, flexible moving services in the Charleston area.

Get a Quote (800) 753-1898

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.2 / 5

DOT #: 587135

Years in Business: 35

1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV 25701

Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has been a reliable choice for local residential moves in Huntington, WV since 1990. Unlike some nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, accept credit cards, and require no deposit. While consumer reviews are mixed, with a 3.9 average rating on Google and an A+ BBB rating, they remain a trusted name in the community. Their long-standing presence and extensive service offerings make them a solid option for local moves.

Get a Quote (304) 529-2360

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Future Enterprises Corporation
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Central Van Lines

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4 / 5

Years in Business: 28

37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV 25159
Get a Quote (304) 755-1898

Review Profiles

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Abate Moving Services LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.96 / 5
328 Generation Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505

Abate Moving Services LLC specializes in local residential moving in and around Morgantown, WV, standing out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings. In addition to local moves, they provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and can expertly handle moving delicate items such as pianos, pool tables, art, and antiques. With a stellar online reputation, they boast an average rating of 4.8 from 110 reviews on Google, and a solid 4.2 average from five Yelp reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction. Notably, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for those seeking quality moving services.

Get a Quote (304) 904-7553

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Dunbar Transfer

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar3.9 / 5

DOT #: 1186580

134 Bel Aire Dr, Tornado, WV 25202

Dunbar Transfer, based in Tornado, WV, specializes in local residential moving services, making them a top choice for those staying within the area. With stellar consumer reviews—boasting a perfect 5.0 average on Yelp and a solid 4.4 on Google—customers consistently praise their service quality. Unlike many local competitors, Dunbar Transfer also offers packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos and art. They accept both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, further setting them apart from other movers in the region.

Get a Quote (304) 722-1003

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

The best West Virginia to Illinois moving container companies

Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in West Virginia and drops it off at your new home in Illinois.

We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best West Virginia to Illinois moving truck rentals

Looking to cut costs on your move from West Virginia to Illinois? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best West Virginia to Illinois labor-only movers

If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.

For a smooth move from West Virginia to Illinois, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.2 / 5
  • Years in Business: 35
  • Yelp: 1.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 3.96 / 5
  • Years in Business: 2025
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB:

How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to IL movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 8 West Virginia 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 West Virginia to Illinois?

Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from West Virginia to Illinois, broken down by home size and type of moving service.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,448 - $4,521 $872 - $2,102 $570 - $1,020
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,782 - $6,811 $1,510 - $3,114 $632 - $1,175
4+ bedrooms $4,921 - $10,056 $2,118 - $3,943 $737 - $1,552

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 598 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 West Virginia to Illinois

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to Illinois, you can expect to spend between $1,448 and $4,521. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,782 to $6,811 on the same route (WV to IL). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from West Virginia to Illinois typically runs between $4,921 and $10,056.

Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Illinois

Moving containers from West Virginia to Illinois will cost you $872 to $2,102 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,510 to $3,114. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,118 to $3,943. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of West Virginia.

Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia 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 $570 to $1,020. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $632 to $1,175, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from West Virginia to Illinois costs around $737 to $1,552.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to IL

There are many factors that influence West Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 WV to IL

When moving from West Virginia to Illinois, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.

Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Illinois

Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in West Virginia 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:

West Virginia Illinois
Average rent cost $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%
  • Rent is about 31% more expensive in Illinois than in West Virginia; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 48% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia.
  • Exciting news here, the average income is about 42% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
  • With the cost of living being about the same in Illinois and West Virginia, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
  • Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 26%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring processes.
  • Sales taxes are 47% higher in Illinois than in West Virginia. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
  • Income taxes are 24% lower in Illinois than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

How life is different in Illinois vs. West Virginia

Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Illinois compared to West Virginia across a few key lifestyle factors:

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
  • If you’re relocating from West Virginia to Illinois, you’ll notice that Illinois has about 604% more residents. With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while West Virginia supported Republican.
  • Summer highs typically reach about 86ºF in Illinois and 83ºF in West Virginia. With similar temperatures, you shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
  • During winter, temperatures in Illinois can drop to around 17ºF, while West Virginia usually only experiences lows near 21ºF. Moving to Illinois means adjusting to chillier winters, which could bring higher heating costs and more intense weather. On the bright side, you’ll also get to enjoy the unique charm and winter activities that come with a colder climate.
  • In Illinois, you’ll see about 40 inches of rain each year—nearly identical to the 45 inches you’re used to in West Virginia. While the overall rainfall stays pretty consistent, the timing and pattern of those showers might shake up your daily routine.
  • In Illinois, you can expect about 22 inches of snow each year, much less than the 33 inches you’d deal with in West Virginia. So, if you’re moving to Illinois, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
  • Illinois has a higher crime rate than West Virginia, with crime indexes at 19.7 and 17.47, respectively. While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.

Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Illinois

Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Illinois to West Virginia.

Pros of living in West Virginia Pros of living in Illinois
Low cost of living Home of Chicago
Abundant outdoor activities Ample economic opportunity
4 distinct seasons of weather Bountiful recreational opportunities
Immense natural beauty Delicious food
Relaxed small cities and towns World-class sports culture

Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. Illinois

Moving from West Virginia to Illinois comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.

Cons of living in West Virginia Cons of living in Illinois
Dismal economy Harsh winter weather
High rates of crime Bad traffic
High rates of drug abuse High crime rate
Shrinking population Dull landscape
Lack of diversity Strict laws

Other things to consider for your West Virginia 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 your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
  • 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 require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
  • 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: Easily verify a Illinois moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s 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: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Illinois right on schedule. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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.

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:

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 West Virginia to Illinois? toggle

Opting for a full-service West Virginia moving company might mean a higher upfront cost, but it lets you relax while the pros tackle all the details. Want to be more budget-friendly? You can rent a moving truck or choose a moving container. Just keep in mind you’ll be taking on more of the work yourself. If you’re keen to cut costs even further, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from West Virginia to Illinois? toggle

Many full-service movers offer auto transport for an extra fee. If you'd rather take care of it yourself, you can easily arrange vehicle shipping from West Virginia to Illinois with a leading car transport company.

What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Illinois? toggle

More and more people are making the move from West Virginia to Illinois to take advantage of everything Illinois has to offer, including: home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Illinois? toggle

Living in West Virginia usually costs less than in Illinois. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 24% less and home prices 33% lower than in Illinois. However, taxes are lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois? toggle

If you’re planning to live on your own in Illinois, aim for an income of around $80,838 to live comfortably. Expect monthly expenses to be about $3,569 if you’re flying solo, or $7,930 for a family of four. Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources