($1,142) Moving From Illinois to Louisiana

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to Louisiana ranges from $609 to $5,419 and takes two-seven 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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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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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 Louisiana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Illinois to Louisiana movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Louisiana 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 Louisiana:

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
4.9 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 Louisiana?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,142 - $4,037 $800 - $1,963 $610 - $1,096
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,373 - $5,419 $1,410 - $2,895 $609 - $1,264
4+ bedrooms $3,885 - $7,594 $1,952 - $3,788 $755 - $1,535

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 853 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 LA

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Louisiana will cost between $1,142 and $4,037. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to LA will range from $2,373 to $5,419, and a large move from Illinois to Louisiana will cost from $3,885 to $7,594.

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

Moving containers from Illinois to Louisiana will cost you $800 to $1,963 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,410 to $2,895. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,952 to $3,788. 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 Louisiana?

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 $610 to $1,096. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $609 to $1,264, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Louisiana costs from $755 to $1,535.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to Louisiana a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Louisiana

Illinois Louisiana
Average rent cost $1,179 $996
Average home cost $249,224 $201,519
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $57,852
Cost of Living Index 90 92
Unemployment rate 5.3% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 4.25%
  • Rent is about 16% less expensive in Louisiana than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 19% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 26% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
  • Louisiana has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 23%.
  • Sales taxes are 21% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 14% lower in Louisiana than in Illinois.

How does life in Louisiana differ from Illinois?

Louisiana Illinois
Population 4,573,749 12,549,689
Political leaning Republican 60.2-38.2 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 92ºF 86ºF
Winter low 39ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 60" 40"
Annual snow 0" 22"
Crime index 33.77 19.7
  • The population of Louisiana is approximately 64% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Louisiana voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Louisiana is 92ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Louisiana reaches the temperature of 39ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about sixty inches of annual rainfall in Louisiana versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Louisiana, it snows about zero inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Louisiana has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 33.77 vs 19.7.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Louisiana

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

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Louisiana
Home of Chicago Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Delicious regional food
Bountiful recreational opportunities Diverse culture
Delicious food Fun outdoor activities
World-class sports culture Cajun culture

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Louisiana

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 Louisiana.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Louisiana
Harsh winter weather Extreme weather
Bad traffic Pesky wildlife and insects
High crime rate Limited economic opportunities
Dull landscape High crime rate
Strict laws Hot humidity

What to know before your move to Louisiana

  • Weather: Louisiana has long hot humid summers and short mild winters. Rain is frequent throughout the year, although from April to September is slightly wetter than the rest of the year. Louisiana is often affected by tropical cyclones and is very vulnerable to major hurricanes, particularly around the New Orleans area. Lousiana averages about 27 tornadoes annually; they are most common from January through March in the south and from February through March in the North.
  • 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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 Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company 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 Louisiana

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

  • 1: French Quarter
  • 2: Mardi Gras World
  • 3: Vermillionville Historic Village
  • 4: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
  • 5: Honey Island Swamp Tour
  • 6: Louisiana's Old State Capitol
  • 7: R. W. Norton Art Gallery
  • 8: USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial
  • 9: Laura Plantation: Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site
  • 10: Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
  • 11: National WWII Museum
  • 12: Melrose Plantation
  • 13: Sci-Port Discovery Center
  • 14: Rosedown Plantation and Gardens
  • 15: St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
  • 16: Preservation Hall
  • 17: Mike the Tiger’s Habitat
  • 18: Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
  • 19: Jungle Gardens
  • 20: Audubon Zoo
  • 21: LARC's Acadian Village
  • 22: Frenchmen Street
  • 23: Oak Alley Plantation
  • 24: Musical Legends Park
  • 25: Zoosiana

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Louisiana are the amazing upsides of living in Louisiana such as low cost of living and delicious regional food.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Louisiana?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Louisiana. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Louisiana, with average rent about 16% less and home prices 19.1% lower than in Illinois. Taxes are also lower in Louisiana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Illinois residents.

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

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 Louisiana you live For example, larger cities like Abbeville and Alexandria will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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