($1,069) Movers From Illinois to Houston

Quick answer: The cost to move from Illinois to Houston, TX averages from $646 to $5,865 depending on 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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Moving from Illinois to Houston, TX resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Illinois to Houston, TX.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best Illinois to Houston, TX movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Illinois to Houston, TX.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Illinois to Houston, TX car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 941 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Illinois to Houston, TX moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Houston 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 Houston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

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

What is the average cost to move from Illinois to Houston, TX?

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

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,069 - $4,403 $769 - $1,890 $587 - $1,145
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,281 - $5,865 $1,395 - $2,794 $646 - $1,334
4+ bedrooms $3,674 - $7,827 $2,014 - $3,890 $878 - $1,621

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 941 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Illinois to Houston, TX will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Illinois, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Houston?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Houston will cost between $1,069 to $4,403. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Illinois to Houston will range from $2,281 to $5,865, and a large move from Illinois to Houston will cost from $3,674 to $7,827.

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

Moving containers from Illinois to Houston will cost you $769 to $1,890 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,395 to $2,794. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,014 to $3,890.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Houston.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Houston?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Illinois to Houston, 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 $587 to $1,145. A larger move will cost $646 to $1,334, and a four-bedroom or more move from Illinois to Houston costs from $878 to $1,621. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Illinois.

Is moving from Illinois to Houston, TX a good idea?

Cost of living: Illinois vs Houston, TX

Illinois Houston
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,684
Average home value $249,224 $261,764
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $67,621
Unemployment rate 5% 4%
State income tax 5% 0%
  • Rent is about 43% more expensive in Houston than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 5% higher in Houston than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 14% lower in Houston than in Illinois.
  • Houston has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 23%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Houston than in Illinois.

How is life different in Houston from Illinois?

Houston Illinois
Population 2,301,572 12,549,689
Political leaning Democrat 56-43 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 94ºF 86ºF
Winter low 43ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 53" 40"
Annual snow 0" 22"
Crime index 63.21 19.7
  • The population of Houston is approximately 82% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Houston voted Democrat and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Houston is 94ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Houston reaches the temperature of 43ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 53 inches of annual rainfall in Houston vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Houston, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Houston has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 63.21 vs 19.7.

Considerations for moving to Houston, TX

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • 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-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

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.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Houston, TX:

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

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Houston, TX
Home of Chicago Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational opportunities Delicious seafood
Delicious food Diversity
World-class sports culture Affordable housing

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Houston, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Houston.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Houston, TX
Harsh winter weather Tropical storms
Bad traffic Heat and humidity
High crime rate Terrible traffic
Dull landscape Limited public transportation
Strict laws High crime rate

Need a local Houston mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5400 Mitchelldale Suite B1, Houston , TX, 77092
(713) 266-8348
Bellhop Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
1201 Fannin Street Suite 262, Houston, TX, 77002
(713) 766-4884

Visit our best movers in Houston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Houston?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Houston.

Museums in Houston

  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • Children’s Museum of Houston
  • The Menil Collection
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Holocaust Museum Houston
  • Houston Museum of African American Culture
  • The Health Museum
  • Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
  • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
  • Czech Center Museum Houston

Parks in Houston

  • Hermann Park
  • Terry Hershey Park
  • Lake Houston Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Tranquility Park
  • Sesquicentennial Park
  • Discovery Green
  • Buffalo Bayou Park
  • Sam Houston Park

Sports Teams in Houston

  • Houston Texans (NFL)
  • Houston Astros (MLB
  • Houston Dash (NWSL)
  • Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
  • Houston Rockets (NBA)
  • Houston SaberCats (MLR)

Universities in Houston

  • Houston Community College
  • San Jacinto College
  • University of Houston
  • University of Houston - Downtown
  • Texas Southern University
  • University of Houston - Clear Lake Public
  • Rice University
  • The University of Texas
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Houston Baptist University
  • Remington College - North Houston Campus
  • Remington College
  • College of Biblical Studies

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Houston?

Because of the 941-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Houston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Houston, TX?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 43ºF, most people move to Houston from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Houston during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Houston?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Houston.

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