($1,156) Moving From Illinois to West Virginia

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to West Virginia ranges from $524 to $5,465 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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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 West Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Illinois to West Virginia movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to West Virginia 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 West Virginia:

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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
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  • 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 West Virginia?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,156 - $3,375 $723 - $1,780 $466 - $879
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,132 - $5,465 $1,305 - $2,665 $524 - $1,033
4+ bedrooms $3,563 - $7,622 $1,828 - $3,346 $654 - $1,261

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 601 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 WV

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to West Virginia will cost between $1,156 and $3,375. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to WV will range from $2,132 to $5,465, and a large move from Illinois to West Virginia will cost from $3,563 to $7,622.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to West Virginia?

Moving containers from Illinois to West Virginia will cost you $723 to $1,780 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,305 to $2,665. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,828 to $3,346. 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 West Virginia?

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 $466 to $879. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $524 to $1,033, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to West Virginia costs from $654 to $1,261.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to West Virginia a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Illinois vs. West Virginia

Illinois West Virginia
Average rent cost $1,038 $725
Average home cost $249,224 $129,659
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $48,037
Cost of Living Index 90 91
Unemployment rate 4.6% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 6.5%
State Income Tax 4.95% 6.5%
  • Rent is about 30% less expensive in West Virginia than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 48% lower in West Virginia than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 39% lower in West Virginia than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 1% lower in West Virginia than in Illinois.
  • West Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 11%.
  • Sales taxes are 26% lower in West Virginia than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 31% higher in West Virginia than in Illinois.

How does life in West Virginia differ from Illinois?

West Virginia Illinois
Population 1,782,959 12,582,032
Political leaning Republican 69-30 Democrat 58-41
Summer high 83ºF 86ºF
Winter low 21ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 45" 40"
Annual snow 33" 22"
Crime index 17.47 18.79
  • The population of West Virginia is approximately 86% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and Illinois voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-five inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In West Virginia, it snows about thirty-three inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • West Virginia has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 18.79 vs 17.47.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. West Virginia

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

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in West Virginia
Home of Chicago Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Abundant outdoor activities
Bountiful recreational opportunities 4 distinct seasons of weather
Delicious food Immense natural beauty
World-class sports culture Relaxed small cities and towns

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. West Virginia

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 West Virginia.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in West Virginia
Harsh winter weather Dismal economy
Bad traffic High rates of crime
High crime rate High rates of drug abuse
Dull landscape Shrinking population
Strict laws Lack of diversity

What to know before your move to West Virginia

  • Weather: West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • 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 the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: West Virginia 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 West Virginia. 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. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in West Virginia

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

  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
  • Snowshoe Mountain
  • West Virginia State Penitentiary
  • Seneca Caverns
  • New River Gorge Bridge
  • West Virginia State Capitol
  • Summersville Lake
  • Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
  • Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort
  • Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Seneca Rocks State Park
  • The Greenbrier
  • Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
  • Monongahela National Forest
  • Coopers Rock State Forest
  • Hawks Nest State Park
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Green Bank Observatory
  • Mothman Museum
  • Charleston Capitol Market

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to West Virginia?

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to West Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in West Virginia such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or West Virginia?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in West Virginia. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 30% less and home prices 48.0% lower than in Illinois. However, taxes are lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.

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

You should make approximately $29,126 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $933 per month for an individual and $2,135 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in West Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Beckley and Charleston will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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