($1,157) Moving From Illinois to Minnesota

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to Minnesota ranges from $500 to $5,126 and takes one-six 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 Minnesota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Illinois to Minnesota movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Minnesota 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 Minnesota:

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
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  • 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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(866) 835-2392
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  • 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
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

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 Minnesota?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,157 - $3,351 $710 - $1,678 $479 - $931
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,092 - $5,126 $1,319 - $2,570 $500 - $1,138
4+ bedrooms $3,770 - $7,547 $1,673 - $3,460 $638 - $1,271

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 627 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 MN

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Minnesota will cost between $1,157 and $3,351. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to MN will range from $2,092 to $5,126, and a large move from Illinois to Minnesota will cost from $3,770 to $7,547.

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

Moving containers from Illinois to Minnesota will cost you $710 to $1,678 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,319 to $2,570. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,673 to $3,460. 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 Minnesota?

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 $479 to $931. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $500 to $1,138, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Minnesota costs from $638 to $1,271.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to Minnesota a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Minnesota

Illinois Minnesota
Average rent cost $1,038 $1,010
Average home cost $249,224 $324,215
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $84,313
Cost of Living Index 90 94
Unemployment rate 4.6% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 6.88%
State Income Tax 4.95% 9.85%
  • Rent is about 3% less expensive in Minnesota than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 30% higher in Minnesota than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 7% higher in Minnesota than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in Minnesota than in Illinois.
  • Minnesota has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 30%.
  • Sales taxes are 22% lower in Minnesota than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 99% higher in Minnesota than in Illinois.

How does life in Minnesota differ from Illinois?

Minnesota Illinois
Population 5,717,184 12,582,032
Political leaning Democratic 53-45 Democrat 58-41
Summer high 81ºF 86ºF
Winter low 2ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 29" 40"
Annual snow 47" 22"
Crime index 23.8 18.79
  • The population of Minnesota is approximately 55% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Minnesota voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Minnesota is 81ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Minnesota reaches the temperature of 2ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about twenty-nine inches of annual rainfall in Minnesota versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Minnesota, it snows about forty-seven inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Minnesota has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 23.8 vs 18.79.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Minnesota

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

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Minnesota
Home of Chicago Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Multitudinous lakes
Delicious food Diverse festivals
World-class sports culture Friendly people

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Minnesota

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 Minnesota.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Minnesota
Harsh winter weather Bland food
Bad traffic Cold snowy winters
High crime rate Terrible traffic
Dull landscape High tax burden
Strict laws Thick accents

What to know before your move to Minnesota

  • Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 Minnesota

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

  • Mall of America
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • North Shore Scenic Drive
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • Munsinger Clemens Gardens
  • Itasca State Park
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park
  • Voyageurs National Park
  • International Wolf Center
  • Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
  • Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Devil’s Kettle
  • Niagara Cave
  • Greyhound Bus Museum
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Stone Arch Bridge
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Guthrie Theater
  • Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
  • SPAM Museum
  • Quarry Hill Nature Center

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Minnesota are the amazing upsides of living in Minnesota such as ample economic opportunity and bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Minnesota?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Minnesota. Housing is much more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 3% less and home prices 23% lower than in Minnesota. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.

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

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

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