($1,118) Moving From South Carolina to Illinois

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois ranges from $583 to $5,435 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.

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

Hiring a full-service South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best South Carolina to Illinois movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from South Carolina to Illinois 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 South Carolina to Illinois:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(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 South Carolina movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC, 29707
(803) 547-1800
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2731 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC, 29611
(864) 474-6171

Visit our Best Movers in South Carolina page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,118 - $3,917 $753 - $1,792 $557 - $1,062
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,125 - $5,435 $1,423 - $2,617 $583 - $1,312
4+ bedrooms $3,711 - $7,657 $1,820 - $3,562 $738 - $1,484

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 831 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 SC to IL

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Illinois will cost between $1,118 and $3,917. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to IL will range from $2,125 to $5,435, and a large move from South Carolina to Illinois will cost from $3,711 to $7,657.

How much are moving containers like PODS from South Carolina to Illinois?

Moving containers from South Carolina to Illinois will cost you $753 to $1,792 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,423 to $2,617. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,820 to $3,562. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.

How much is a moving truck from South Carolina to Illinois?

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 $557 to $1,062. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $583 to $1,312, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to Illinois costs from $738 to $1,484.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Carolina to Illinois a good idea?

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

Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Illinois

South Carolina Illinois
Average rent cost $1,065 $1,179
Average home cost $295,769 $249,224
Average income (per capita) $63,623 $78,433
Cost of Living Index 96 90
Unemployment rate 4.7% 5.3%
Average Sales Tax 7.46% 8.82%
State Income Tax 7.0% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 11% more expensive in Illinois than in South Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 16% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
  • The average income is about 23% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
  • Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are 18% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 29% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.

How does life in Illinois differ from South Carolina?

Illinois South Carolina
Population 12,549,689 5,373,555
Political leaning Democratic 55-45 Republican 58-42
Summer high 86ºF 91ºF
Winter low 17ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 40" 48"
Annual snow 22" 1"
Crime index 19.7 28.0
  • The population of Illinois is approximately 134% greater than the population of South Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about forty inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus forty-eight inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
  • In Illinois, it snows about twenty-two inches annually versus one inches of snow in South Carolina.
  • Illinois has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 28.0 vs 19.7.

Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Illinois

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

Pros of living in South Carolina Pros of living in Illinois
Warm southern hospitality Home of Chicago
Plentiful outdoor activities Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful landscapes Bountiful recreational opportunities
Consistently gorgeous weather Delicious food
Rich historical significance World-class sports culture

Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Illinois

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Carolina for Illinois.

Cons of living in South Carolina Cons of living in Illinois
High cost of living Harsh winter weather
Hurricane frequency Bad traffic
Low quality of healthcare High crime rate
High taxes Dull landscape
Abundance of construction Strict laws

What to know before your move to Illinois

  • Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
  • 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 Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Illinois 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 Illinois. 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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 Illinois

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

  • Millennium Park
  • Navy Pier
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  • Dana-Thomas House
  • Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
  • Discovery Center Museum
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Grand View Drive
  • Mississippi Palisades State Park
  • Matthiessen State Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Illinois?

The cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Illinois 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 South Carolina to Illinois?

The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Illinois?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in South Carolina. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 11% less and home prices 15.7% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

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

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 Illinois you live For example, larger cities like Addison and Algonquin will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources