($1,190) Moving From Illinois to Florida

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to Florida ranges from $831 to $5,733 and takes two-eight 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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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 Illinois to Florida separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Illinois to Florida movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Florida is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Illinois to Florida:

Best Overall Value
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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
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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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
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

Visit our Best Movers in Illinois page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Florida?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Florida for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,190 - $4,703 $881 - $2,219 $747 - $1,452
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,439 - $5,733 $1,499 - $3,258 $831 - $1,693
4+ bedrooms $4,426 - $7,887 $2,157 - $4,104 $1,005 - $2,105

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,192 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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to FL

There are many factors that influence Illinois moving costs. The cost to move from Illinois to Florida 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 Illinois 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Illinois to Florida?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Florida will cost between $1,190 and $4,703. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to FL will range from $2,439 to $5,733, and a large move from Illinois to Florida will cost from $4,426 to $7,887.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to Florida?

Moving containers from Illinois to Florida will cost you $881 to $2,219 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,499 to $3,258. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,157 to $4,104. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Florida?

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 $747 to $1,452. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $831 to $1,693, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Florida costs from $1,005 to $2,105.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to Florida a good idea?

If you’re moving to Florida from Illinois, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Florida

Illinois Florida
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,444
Average home cost $249,224 $392,176
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $67,917
Cost of Living Index 90 102
Unemployment rate 5.3% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 7.08%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 22% more expensive in Florida than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 57% higher in Florida than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in Florida than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 13% lower in Florida than in Illinois.
  • Florida has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 45%.
  • Sales taxes are 20% lower in Florida than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Florida than in Illinois.

How does life in Florida differ from Illinois?

Florida Illinois
Population 22,610,726 12,549,689
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 91ºF 86ºF
Winter low 49ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 55" 40"
Annual snow 0" 22"
Crime index 21.39 19.7
  • The population of Florida is approximately 80% greater than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Florida voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Florida is 91ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Florida reaches the temperature of 49ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about fifty-five inches of annual rainfall in Florida versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Florida, it snows about zero inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Florida has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 21.39 vs 19.7.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Florida

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Illinois versus Florida side by side.

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Florida
Home of Chicago Fantastic weather
Ample economic opportunity Abundant water recreational activities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Ample economic opportunity
Delicious food World-leading entertainment
World-class sports culture Beautiful flora and fauna

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Florida

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Florida.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Florida
Harsh winter weather High cost of living
Bad traffic Poor healthcare
High crime rate Natural disasters
Dull landscape Heat and humidity
Strict laws High crime rate

What to know before your move to Florida

  • Weather: Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
  • 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Florida 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 Florida. 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. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Florida

While you’re in Florida, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Studios Orlando
  • South Beach
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Key West
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Busch Gardens Tampa
  • Castillo de San Marcos
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Everglades National Park
  • Amelia Island
  • Daytona 500 International Speedway
  • Duval Street in Key West
  • Salvador Dalí Museum
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • National Naval Aviation Museum
  • Discovery Cove
  • Coral Castle
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • WonderWorks Orlando

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Florida?

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Florida is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Florida?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Florida are the amazing upsides of living in Florida such as fantastic weather and abundant water recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Florida?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Florida. Housing is much more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 18% less and home prices 37% lower than in Florida. Florida has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Florida you live For example, larger cities like Alachua and Alafaya will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources