$795 Movers From Madison, WI to Illinois

Quick answer: The cost to move from Madison, WI, to Illinois averages from $250 to $4,229, and can take anywhere from one-two days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 196 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Madison 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 Illinois to Madison, WI guide.

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The best Madison to Illinois moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Madison to Illinois is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Madison and 267 throughout the Land of Lincoln — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Madison to Illinois.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

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

How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI, to Illinois?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Madison to Illinois:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $795 - $2,713 $574 - $1,265 $222 - $395
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,393 - $4,229 $983 - $1,927 $250 - $481
4+ bedrooms $1,840 - $5,317 $1,262 - $2,236 $291 - $521

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 196 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 Madison, WI, to Illinois 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 Madison, 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 hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Madison, WI, to Illinois?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Illinois will cost between $795 to $2,713. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Madison to IL will range from $1,393 to $4,229. A large move from Madison to Illinois will cost anywhere from $1,840 to $5,317.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Madison, WI, to Illinois?

Moving pods from Madison to Illinois will cost you $574 to $1,265. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $983 to $1,927. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,262 to $2,236. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Madison to Illinois.

How much is a moving truck from Madison, WI, 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 $222 to $395. A larger move will cost $250 to $481, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Madison to Illinois costs from $291 to $521.

Is moving from Madison, WI, to Illinois a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Madison, WI, vs Illinois

Madison, WI Illinois
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,038
Average home cost $367,934 $249,224
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $78,433
Unemployment rate 3.3% 4.6%
State income tax 7.65% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 66% less expensive in Illinois than in Madison.
  • Home prices are about 47.4% lower in Illinois than in Madison.
  • The average income is about 24.5% higher in Illinois than in Madison.
  • Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 31.7%.
  • Income taxes are 35.29% lower in Illinois than in Madison.

How is life different in Madison, WI, from Illinois?

Madison, WI Illinois
Population 269,840 12,582,032
Political leaning Democratic 76-23 Democrat 58-41
Summer high 82ºF 86ºF
Winter low 10ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 36" 40"
Annual snow 42" 22"
Crime index 34.57 18.79
  • The population of Illinois is approximately 4,563% greater than the population of Madison.
  • In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democrat and Madison voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86º F and in Madison, it’s 82º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17º F and Madison gets down to 10º F.
  • You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois vs. 36 inches of rainfall in Madison.
  • In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually vs. 42 inches of snow in Madison.

Considerations for moving 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: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local Madison movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Armstrong relocation Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI, 53718
(608) 838-5940
Top Notch Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716
(608) 590-3710

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

What to do in Illinois

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

Museums in Illinois

  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Caterpillar Visitors Center
  • Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  • Museum of Hummels
  • Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
  • World's Tallest Man Statue
  • Halim Time & Glass Museum
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Graue Mill & Museum

Parks in Illinois

  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Matthiessen State Park
  • Illinois Beach State Park
  • Pere Marquette State Park
  • Kankakee river State Park
  • Shawnee National Forest
  • Castle Rock State Park
  • Rock Cut State Park
  • Giant city State Park
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park

Sports Teams in Illinois

  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)
  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
  • Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)

Universities in Illinois

  • University of Chicago
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Northern Illinois University
  • DePaul University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  • Illinois State University
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • Western Illinois University

FAQs: Moving from Madison to Illinois

What is the best way to get a car from Madison to Illinois?

Need to get your car from Madison to Illinois? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Madison to Illinois car shippers.

Why are people moving from Madison to Illinois?

Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Madison?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Madison.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Illinois