($1,088) Moving From Illinois to New Jersey

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to New Jersey ranges from $659 to $5,288 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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  • 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 New Jersey separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Illinois to New Jersey movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to New Jersey 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 New Jersey:

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
read our full review
(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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(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
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 New Jersey?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,088 - $3,990 $762 - $2,004 $605 - $1,177
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,397 - $5,288 $1,382 - $2,789 $659 - $1,318
4+ bedrooms $3,751 - $7,446 $1,934 - $3,797 $827 - $1,537

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 897 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 NJ

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to New Jersey will cost between $1,088 and $3,990. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to NJ will range from $2,397 to $5,288, and a large move from Illinois to New Jersey will cost from $3,751 to $7,446.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to New Jersey?

Moving containers from Illinois to New Jersey will cost you $762 to $2,004 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,382 to $2,789. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,934 to $3,797. 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 New Jersey?

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 $605 to $1,177. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $659 to $1,318, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to New Jersey costs from $827 to $1,537.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to New Jersey a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Illinois vs. New Jersey

Illinois New Jersey
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,368
Average home cost $249,224 $534,773
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $97,126
Cost of Living Index 90 114
Unemployment rate 5.3% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 6.6%
State Income Tax 4.95% 10.7%
  • Rent is about 16% more expensive in New Jersey than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 115% higher in New Jersey than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 24% higher in New Jersey than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 27% lower in New Jersey than in Illinois.
  • New Jersey has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 11%.
  • Sales taxes are 25% lower in New Jersey than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 116% higher in New Jersey than in Illinois.

How does life in New Jersey differ from Illinois?

New Jersey Illinois
Population 9,290,841 12,549,689
Political leaning Democratic 52-46.1 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 85ºF 86ºF
Winter low 22ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 48" 40"
Annual snow 23" 22"
Crime index 16.2 19.7
  • The population of New Jersey is approximately 26% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, New Jersey voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in New Jersey is 85ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New Jersey reaches the temperature of 22ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-eight inches of annual rainfall in New Jersey versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In New Jersey, it snows about twenty-three inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • New Jersey has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 19.7 vs 16.2.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. New Jersey

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

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in New Jersey
Home of Chicago Bountiful recreational opportunities
Ample economic opportunity Diversity
Bountiful recreational opportunities World-class entertainment
Delicious food Leading education
World-class sports culture Superb health care

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. New Jersey

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 New Jersey.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in New Jersey
Harsh winter weather Extreme weather
Bad traffic Congested population
High crime rate High cost of living
Dull landscape High tax burden
Strict laws Terrible traffic

What to know before your move to New Jersey

  • Weather: New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
  • 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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in New Jersey

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

  • Atlantic City and Boardwalk
  • Ocean City
  • Cape May
  • Grounds for Sculpture
  • Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park
  • Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
  • Battleship New Jersey
  • Thomas Edison National Historical Park
  • Liberty Science Center
  • Adventure Aquarium
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
  • Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park
  • Liberty State Park
  • High Point State Park
  • Lucy the Elephant
  • Paterson Great Falls
  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
  • Sterling Hill Mining Museum
  • Island Beach State Park
  • Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
  • Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
  • Garden State Discovery Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to New Jersey?

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to New Jersey are the amazing upsides of living in New Jersey such as bountiful recreational opportunities and diversity.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New Jersey?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in New Jersey. Housing is much more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 53% lower than in New Jersey. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by New Jersey residents.

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

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 New Jersey you live For example, larger cities like Aberdeen and Asbury Park will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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