1-bedroom local in Chicago
Lakeview 1BR (3rd floor walk-up) to a Wicker Park 2-flat, 6.1 mi. Two movers + truck, mid-month Tuesday in February.
Illinois Moving Cost Calculator (2026)
Illinois pricing is dominated by Chicago, where high-rise COIs, freight elevator reservations, and Lake Shore Drive truck restrictions all add planning time.
Researched and written by Matthew Collins · Reviewed by Amanda Brooks · Last reviewed August 2026
Estimate your Illinois move
Pick a home size and a move type. Every figure shown is read from the published pricing model, so the calculator and the cost tables cannot disagree.
800–1,200 sq ft, ~5,500 lb
Billed hourly for a two-mover crew and a truck.
Estimated price range
$600–$1,395
- Estimated total for a 2 bedroom local move (under 50 miles), two movers and a truck billed hourly. Packing materials, stairs, and long carries are extra.
- Scope: Statewide estimate for Illinois.
- Editorial estimate, not a measured transaction price. Reviewed May 2026.
Working range only. Confirm with a binding-not-to-exceed written estimate after a video survey.
Free quote request
Get free quotes from licensed Illinois movers
Compare up to 4 FMCSA-verified carriers serving your route.
No obligation. Your quote request may be shared with up to 4 moving companies that may serve your requested route.
Step 1 of 3 · Locations~60 seconds left
Where are you moving?
Get matched with licensed movers based on your route and move details.
ZIP or City
.
ZIP or City
.
Why Illinois is different
What drives pricing in this market
- Chicago high-rise buildings overwhelmingly require freight elevator reservations and COIs naming the building. Reservation windows are typically 8 AM–4 PM weekdays, no weekends.
- Lake Shore Drive bans commercial trucks; movers route through Lake Shore feeder streets, adding 15–25 minutes per Loop-area job.
- Illinois Commerce Commission regulates intrastate carriers (separate from FMCSA). Verify both before signing.
Pricing
Cost by home size
Local rates assume two movers and ground-floor access. Ask how stairs and long carries are billed.
| Home size | Local move | Interstate move |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $300–$775 | $1,540–$4,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $400–$930 | $2,100–$5,226 |
| 2 Bedroom | $600–$1,395 | $2,800–$6,700 |
| 3 Bedroom | $800–$1,860 | $4,060–$10,385 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,100–$2,480 | $5,460–$14,405 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $1,400–$3,100 | $6,720–$18,090 |
Real moves
Recent Illinois examples
3-bedroom Chicago to Texas interstate
Family of four, ~8,300 lb, 1,080 mi to Austin. October pickup.
2-bedroom downtown Loop high-rise
River North 2BR to a Lincoln Park townhouse, 4.2 mi. Three movers + truck, freight elevator reserved at both ends.
Deep dive
The Illinois pricing playbook
Illinois pricing is a tale of two markets. If you're getting quotes for a downstate move and the hourly figure looks like a Chicago number, push back.
Chicago's accessorial stack is the country's third-most complex behind NYC and SF. Most condo and apartment buildings in River North, the Loop, Streeterville, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park require freight elevator reservations and Certificates of Insurance naming the building as additional insured. Reservation windows are almost always weekday, 8 AM to 4 PM, no weekends.
Lake Shore Drive bans commercial trucks, which means anything moving in or out of a near-lake address routes through Lake Shore feeder streets and adds 15–25 minutes per direction. Most Chicago movers price for it implicitly, but if you're comparing a downtown quote against a suburban quote on the same household, the routing time alone can add a full billable hour.
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regulates intrastate household goods carriers, separate from the federal FMCSA. Always verify both USDOT and ICC MC numbers before signing a quote. Illinois is in the top 10 states for moving complaints filed annually with the FMCSA, and most of those complaints involve carriers operating without proper intrastate authority.
On long-haul, Chicago sits on a backhaul-favored lane to Texas, Florida, and the Southwest. If you're moving south, request quotes from at least one carrier with a confirmed hub in your destination metro.
By metro
Illinois city pricing notes
Chicago
Highest IL rates; high-rise COIs and freight-elevator reservations are mandatory for almost all condo/apartment buildings.
Rockford
Cheapest mid-size IL metro; deep regional carrier base.
Peoria
Median downstate pricing; strong year-round mover supply.
How to lower your Illinois moving cost
- Reserve the freight elevator at both buildings the same week you book the mover. Most Chicago high-rises only allow weekday loading windows.
- Verify both FMCSA USDOT and Illinois Commerce Commission MC number before signing. ICC operates a separate intrastate registry.
By city
Illinois city cost calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much do movers cost in Illinois?
Local moves in Illinois are estimated at $315–$2,480 depending on home size, while an interstate move out of Illinois is estimated at $3,000–$7,000 for a two-bedroom household. Distance, packing services, and the time of year all shift those numbers.
When is the cheapest time to move in Illinois?
October through April is generally the cheapest window in Illinois — most movers cut rates 15–25% outside the May-to-September peak. Mid-month, mid-week pickups give the biggest discounts.
Are moving companies in Illinois licensed and insured?
All interstate moving companies must register with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number. Illinois also requires intrastate movers to register with the state — verify any quote against the FMCSA SAFER tool before signing.
Should I tip movers in Illinois?
Tipping is customary but not required. A typical tip in Illinois is $20–$40 per mover for a half-day local job, or $50–$100 per mover for a full day or long-distance move.
How far in advance should I book a mover in Illinois?
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for moves between May and September. For off-peak fall and winter moves in Illinois, two weeks is usually enough notice.
What's the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?
A binding estimate locks in your price based on the inventory at the time of the survey — the mover can't charge more on move day for the same items. Non-binding estimates can change based on actual weight or volume. For IL interstate moves, request binding-not-to-exceed quotes whenever possible.
Keep planning your Illinois move
Free quote request
Ready to compare Illinois movers?
Free, no-obligation quotes from up to 4 FMCSA-licensed carriers in under 15 minutes.
No obligation. Your quote request may be shared with up to 4 moving companies that may serve your requested route.
Step 1 of 3 · Locations~60 seconds left
Where are you moving?
Get matched with licensed movers based on your route and move details.
ZIP or City
.
ZIP or City
.