Best Illinois to Colorado Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Colorado and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,010 mile IL to CO move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 174 Illinois to Colorado moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Movemasters, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Colorado. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Illinois to Colorado Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Movemasters, Inc.9.589.45Authorized For HHGContact
2Smooth Movers9.519.31Authorized For HHGContact
3606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
5A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
6Murphy Family Movers9.299.35Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Illinois to Colorado

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,010 miles from Illinois to Colorado will cost on average $2,640 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to CO move is roughly $6,344. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Illinois and dropoff in Colorado as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Illinois to Colorado movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,775300 ft³5.92
1 Bedroom$2,640450 ft³5.87
2 Bedrooms$4,363750 ft³5.82
3 Bedrooms$6,3441100 ft³5.77
4 Bedrooms$9,1471600 ft³5.72
5+ Bedrooms$10,2001800 ft³5.67
*Please note: These Illinois to Colorado moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Colorado. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to CO mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to CO Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Movemasters, Inc. Logo

Movemasters, Inc.

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 3,188+ data points

745 Lipan St

Denver, CO, 80204

About Movemasters, Inc.

Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Household Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1290433 / 1550891

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans19
Registered Drivers23
Total Annual Miles Moved216,634 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Smooth Movers Logo

Smooth Movers

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.51/10
based on 677+ data points

263 N 3rd St

Laramie, WY, 82072

About Smooth Movers

Smooth Movers has over 100 years of combined moving experience. It is a locally owned and operated business helping people move...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2630599 / 915454

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
4
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Murphy Family Movers Logo

Murphy Family Movers

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,271+ data points

4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C

St. Charles, IL, 60175

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Colorado

Moving from state to state is a major life decision that requires careful consideration of both the challenges and benefits. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Colorado , helping you weigh your options effectively.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Harsher winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Flatter landscape
  • Less outdoor activities
Colorado iconColorado
  • Milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Mountainous terrain
  • More outdoor opportunities
Colorado iconColorado
  • Less diversity
  • No Great Lakes
  • Car dependency
  • Fewer historical sites
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Cultural diversity
  • Lake Michigan
  • Better public transport
  • Rich historical sites

While both Illinois and Colorado offer unique benefits, the choice to move can often come down to lifestyle preferences. If you're a fan of outdoor adventures, Colorado's vast mountainous terrain presents countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver's bustling neighborhoods offer both natural beauty and urban conveniences. Alternatively, Illinois, with its rich cultural diversity, provides a wealth of historical sites and landmarks such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, and vibrant city life along the shores of Lake Michigan with extensive public transport—features that some may miss after moving to Colorado. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of living you value most.

Illinois vs. Colorado Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Colorado is crucial as food greatly enriches the regional culture and your daily life experience. Understanding the food scene in both states will help you acclimate more smoothly to your new home.

IllinoisColorado
Most iconic local food itemChicago-style deep dish pizzaRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefBison burgers
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodDeep-dish vegan pizzaJackfruit BBQ sandwiches
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
    • Portillo's
    • Alinea
    • The Buckhorn Exchange
    • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
    • Frasca Food and Wine
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move to Colorado, you'll notice a significant shift towards health-conscious and vegan-friendly options. Places like Denver and Boulder are bustling with innovative food trucks and health-oriented eateries, such as Snooze, an A.M. Eatery that offers a vibrant twist on morning classics. You'll also be in for a treat with the state's love for game meats, where Bison burgers are a must-try local delicacy. Colorado's food scene is not just about the food; it's about the lifestyle that comes with it, making dining an adventure. Be sure to explore neighborhoods like LoDo in Denver or Pearl Street in Boulder to fully experience the culinary diversity and innovation Colorado has to offer.

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Illinois vs. Colorado Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move from Illinois to Colorado, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of housing cost, style, and living conditions in both states.

ComparisonIllinoisColorado
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, Chicago BungalowMountain, Modern Farmhouse
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, granite countertopsViews, sustainability features

In the quest for a new home, you'll find that Colorado often boasts homes emphasizing views and sustainability, a reflection of its picturesque landscapes and environmental consciousness. In contrast, Illinois homes frequently highlight traditional comforts such as hardwood floors and granite countertops. Colorado's higher median home price reflects its booming real estate market and desirability as a place to live. Nonetheless, the state makes up for this with its focus on outdoor living, offering greater bikeability due to its extensive trails and natural scenery. Each state presents a unique lifestyle, with Illinois leaning more towards urban living and architectural heritage, and Colorado embracing the great outdoors and modern living trends.

Illinois vs. Colorado Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another necessitates understanding the weather comparison to ease the transition. This chart aims to illustrate how the climate in Illinois contrasts with that in Colorado, focusing on various weather-related aspects.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

85/60

Colorado

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

45/20

Colorado

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

17

Colorado

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

60

Colorado

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisColorado
Air QualityVariableMostly Good
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsWildfires, Avalanches
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In moving from Illinois to Colorado, you will find both climates offer beautiful summer highs, though winters are notably milder in Colorado with more sunny days per year. Colorado’s overall lower humidity contributes to a different feel in the air, potentially offering more comfort for those sensitive to moisture. With a higher average UV index, protective measures against the sun in Colorado will be important. While Illinois is more familiar with tornadoes and floods, Colorado's natural disaster risks shift towards wildfires and avalanches, highlighting the importance of understanding and preparing for these distinct environmental differences.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Colorado

When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how your expenses might shift is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to shed light on key financial aspects that will impact your life, moving from Illinois to Colorado . It’s vital to grasp these changes to manage your expectations and budget effectively.

ComparisonIllinoisColorado
Avg. Household Income$76,708$89,302
Cost of Living Index94.2598.3
State Income Tax4.954.63
Avg. Property Tax2.30.55
Avg. Sales Tax8.747.72
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureAerospace, Biotechnology, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyConspicuousModerate
HomelessnessSignificantEvident

Moving from Illinois to Colorado, you'll likely notice a significant increase in average household income alongside a higher cost of living index, suggesting that while you may earn more, your expenses could also rise. Colorado's lower property tax rate offers some relief, especially for homeowners, compared to Illinois's notably higher rate. The states have different key industries, with Colorado leaning towards more technology and science-driven sectors. These economic pillars contribute to Colorado's higher affluence and slightly better positions in terms of poverty and homelessness, though both states face their challenges. Adjusting your budget to these variations will be critical for a successful transition.

Illinois vs. Colorado Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Illinois to Colorado, a quick glimpse into the comparison of the politics between Illinois & Colorado and the religious landscape can provide insight into the communities you're moving into. This snapshot gives a broad view of what to expect from your new neighbors, shaping your social and cultural environment.

IllinoisColorado
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State, recently leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsChicago's politics greatly influence the stateDenver's politics have a significant impact
ReligionLargely Christian, with significant Catholic and Protestant populationsMixed, with a higher percentage of unaffiliated or non-religious residents

Illinois and Colorado both have dynamic political landscapes, but you'll find a shift in political conversations as you move. Illinois, with its strong Democratic lean heavily influenced by Chicago, contrasts with Colorado's mixed political environment where both Democratic and Republican ideas have significant platforms. Local politics in each state mirror this effect, with Chicago and Denver driving much of the political discourse respectively. When it comes to religion, you'll notice a more diverse religious environment in Colorado, including a higher number of individuals identifying as non-religious, contrasting with Illinois' predominately Christian population. This diversity in political and religious makeup will be part of the new cultural landscape you'll experience.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Colorado

Moving states can be a huge adjustment, especially when it comes to education for your children. This chart helps you compare educational options between Illinois and Colorado, aiming to offer a clearer perspective for making informed decisions on schooling.

IllinoisColorado

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School - Springfield
South Loop Elementary School - Chicago
Meadow Glens Elementary School - Naperville
Bromwell Elementary School - Denver
Bear Creek Elementary School - Boulder
Cory Elementary School - Denver

Top 3 Middle Schools

Woodlawn Middle School - Long Grove
Maple School - Northbrook
Daniel Wright Junior High School - Lincolnshire
Summit Middle Charter School - Boulder
The Connect Charter School - Pueblo
Mountain Ridge Middle School - Highlands Ranch

Top 3 High School Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School - Chicago
Payton College Preparatory High School - Chicago
New Trier High School - Winnetka
Cherry Creek High School - Greenwood Village
Fairview High School - Boulder
Denver School of the Arts - Denver

Top 3 private high schools

University Laboratory High School - Urbana
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy - Aurora
The Latin School of Chicago - Chicago
The Colorado Springs School - Colorado Springs
Kent Denver School - Englewood
Fountain Valley School of Colorado - Colorado Springs

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago - Chicago
Francis W. Parker School - Chicago
Lake Forest Academy - Lake Forest
Colorado Academy - Denver
Vail Mountain School - Vail
Aspen Country Day School - Aspen

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203 - Northfield
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 - Naperville
Community High School District 128 - Vernon Hills
Boulder Valley School District - Boulder
Cherry Creek School District - Greenwood Village
Littleton Public Schools - Littleton

When comparing the top schools and districts, it's evident that both Illinois and Colorado offer robust educational options, but they each have their unique strengths. For instance, Illinois boasts prestigious universities that are recognized nationally, making it an attractive state for higher education. On the other hand, Colorado schools, such as Cherry Creek High School and Boulder Valley School District, are often lauded for their innovation in education and engagement in outdoor learning experiences which reflect the state's commitment to environmental awareness. Whether you value a strong emphasis on science and mathematics or prefer a curriculum that includes outdoor education and environmental stewardship, both states present compelling choices for your family's educational journey.

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