Best Illinois to Maine Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Maine and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,248 mile IL to ME move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 127 Illinois to Maine 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 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Maine. 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 Maine Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
3A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
4Murphy Family Movers9.299.35Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5SC Moving Services9.199.35ActiveContact
6Vacationland Moving9.039.22Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Illinois to Maine

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,248 miles from Illinois to Maine will cost on average $2,843 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to ME move is roughly $6,838. 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 Maine 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 Maine movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,910300 ft³6.37
1 Bedroom$2,843450 ft³6.32
2 Bedrooms$4,700750 ft³6.27
3 Bedrooms$6,8381100 ft³6.22
4 Bedrooms$9,8671600 ft³6.17
5+ Bedrooms$11,0101800 ft³6.12
*Please note: These Illinois to Maine moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Maine. 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 ME mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to ME Movers

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

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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
SC Moving Services Logo

SC Moving Services

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 644+ data points

25 Augusta St

South Portland, ME, 04106

About SC Moving Services

SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2324405 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2016)
View Full Review
5
Vacationland Moving Logo

Vacationland Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.03/10
based on 288+ data points

1484 Maine St Apt 1

Poland, ME, 04274

About Vacationland Moving

Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3540196 / 1181718

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2024)
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 Maine

Relocating from one state to another involves contemplating both the benefits and drawbacks of the move. This guide provides an honest reflection of what you could expect when moving from Illinois to Maine, aiming to outline the major changes and adaptations you may encounter. Let's dive into a direct comparison of living conditions between these two states.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Flat landscape
  • More traffic
  • Higher crime rates
  • Colder winters
Maine iconMaine
  • Lower taxes
  • Diverse topography
  • Less congestion
  • Lower crime rates
  • Milder winters
Maine iconMaine
  • More rural
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller towns
  • Sparse public transit
  • Fewer job options
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Urban amenities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Larger cities
  • Better public transport
  • More job opportunities

While Illinois offers an array of urban amenities and a more diverse cultural atmosphere with cities like Chicago, known for its vibrant neighborhoods, outstanding restaurants, and iconic museums, Maine presents a different lifestyle. In Maine, you might find yourself enjoying the scenic beauty of Acadia National Park more often, savoring fresh seafood from popular spots like Thurston's Lobster Pound, and relishing in quieter, less congested towns. While you may miss the extensive public transport and larger job market of Illinois, Maine's unique charms, including its lower crime rates and beautiful, diverse landscapes, offer a refreshing new chapter for those willing to embrace the change.

Illinois vs. Maine Food Guide

Food is an essential aspect of local culture and plays a significant role in what it's like to live in an area. In this comparison, we aim to offer you a better understanding of the food scene in your new home by examining the local cuisine between Illinois & Maine. This will help you navigate your culinary options and dive into the local flavors with ease.

IllinoisMaine
Most iconic local food itemChicago-style deep-dish pizzaLobster roll
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefClam Chowder
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogWhoopie pie
Most popular vegan foodSeitanBlueberry Vegan Cake
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Woodman’s Bar and Grill
  • The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
  • Duckfat
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When considering the move from Illinois to Maine, you'll transition from a cuisine centered around hearty, urban comfort foods to one that offers fresh, local seafood delights. In Chicago, the aromatic presence of a Chicago-style hot dog or a deep-dish pizza is ubiquitous. These items are not only tasty but are deeply ingrained in the local culture. Moving to Maine, however, introduces you to the coastal favorites like the iconic lobster roll, found along the picturesque shores and in bustling city spots like Portland. Maine's clam chowder and the sweet whoopie pie reveal the state's close ties to both its maritime heritage and its penchant for locally sourced, simple yet delectable treats. These contrasts in local cuisine reflect the unique experiences and flavors that make each state distinct and special.

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Illinois vs. Maine Real Estate & Living Facts

When preparing for a move, comparing the real estate markets of Illinois and Maine is crucial for a smooth transition. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle elements such as walkability and bikeability can greatly influence your decision. Let’s dive into how these two states compare in the realm of real estate.

ComparisonIllinoisMaine
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, Chicago SchoolNew England Colonial, Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, Smart Home featuresFireplaces, Proximity to nature

The contrast in median home prices and monthly rent reflects the varied cost of living between Illinois and Maine, with Maine generally being more expensive. Illinois' architecture, with its Prairie and Chicago Schools, showcases its rich history in architectural innovation, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. Maine, on the other hand, features New England Colonial and Cape Cod styles, emphasizing its historical and coastal character. This difference extends to lifestyle aspects, with Illinois scoring higher in urban lifestyle and walkability, attributed partly to Chicago's extensive public transit system and vibrant city life. The emphasis on fireplaces and proximity to nature in Maine's listings highlights the state's appeal to those seeking a quieter, more nature-integrated living environment.

Illinois vs. Maine Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one state to another, it’s crucial to consider how the weather might change. This comparison focuses on Illinois and Maine, aiming to highlight the differences in climate you should expect. Understanding these variations can help you prepare for your new environment, affecting everything from your wardrobe choices to your outdoor activities.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Illinois

79°F / 59°F

Maine

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 20°F

Illinois

31°F / 13°F

Maine

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

45

Maine

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

75

Maine

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisMaine
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersTornados, StormsSnowstorms, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Illinois to Maine, you'll notice a significant difference in winter temperatures and snowfall. Maine's winters are not only colder but also bring about three times as much snowfall as Illinois, affecting daily commutes and increasing the need for winter gear. Despite the longer, harsher winters, Maine offers more sunny days throughout the year, a small consolation for those who cherish sunlight. Both states share moderate air quality levels and similar annual rainfall, but the increased annual snowfall in Maine could require adjustments in your lifestyle, particularly in your preparation for winter driving and outdoor activities.

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

When contemplating a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how financial aspects stack up. Comparing Illinois to Maine on various economic metrics can illuminate the cost of living, taxes, and job market differences you're likely to encounter. This knowledge arms you with expectations for your financial life post-move.

ComparisonIllinoisMaine
Avg. Household Income$76,708$69,543
Cost of Living Index94.25116.5
State Income Tax4.955.8 - 7.15
Avg. Property Tax2.161.36
Avg. Sales Tax8.745.5
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureHealthcare, Retail, Tourism
Affluencemoderatemoderate
Povertymoderatelow
Homelessnessmoderatelow

Moving from Illinois to Maine, you'll discover a significant cost of living adjustment with Maine's index over 24 pts higher than Illinois'. However, Illinois possesses a slightly higher average household income which may offset some cost differences. Additionally, Maine's progressive income tax can mean higher earners pay more, but property and sales tax rates are more favorable compared to Illinois. The top industries in Maine - healthcare, retail, and tourism - reflect its geographic and social settings, which may present unique job opportunities or necessitate a career shift. Understanding these dynamics helps ease the financial transition between these distinct states.

Illinois vs. Maine Political & Religious Comparison

Exploring a move from Illinois to Maine requires understanding not just the landscape but the community you're about to join. This quick comparison offers an insight into the political and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Maine . It's designed to give you a snapshot of the communities' values and priorities.

IllinoisMaine
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsUrban/Rural DivideCommunity Engagement
ReligionReligious DiversityLesser Religious Affiliation

While both Illinois and Maine lean Democratic in their political makeup, the approach to local politics and community involvement differs significantly. Illinois, with its stark urban/rural divide, presents a varied political landscape city by city. In contrast, Maine tends to foster a strong sense of community engagement, with local issues often uniting its residents regardless of their political affiliations. Religiously, Illinois offers a mosaic of beliefs due to its significant urban centers, while Maine reflects a lesser degree of religious affiliation, portraying a more secular societal outlook. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Maine

To make a well-informed decision about your big move, it's crucial to compare educational opportunities for your family. This comparison aims to help better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Maine. By examining these differences, you can prioritize your family's educational needs accordingly.

IllinoisMaine

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Maine
Bowdoin College
Bates College

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Avery Coonley School (Downers Grove)
South Park Elementary (Deerfield)
Lincoln Elementary (River Forest)
Cape Elizabeth School (Cape Elizabeth)
Falmouth Elementary (Falmouth)
Yarmouth Elementary (Yarmouth)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Clarendon Hills Middle School (Clarendon Hills)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Twin Groves Middle School (Buffalo Grove)
Yarmouth Middle School (Yarmouth)
Falmouth Middle School (Falmouth)
Cape Elizabeth Middle School (Cape Elizabeth)

Top 3 High School Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Falmouth High School (Falmouth)
Cape Elizabeth High School (Cape Elizabeth)
Yarmouth High School (Yarmouth)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Waynflete School (Portland)
North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth)
Berwick Academy (South Berwick)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Waynflete School (Portland)
North Yarmouth Academy (Yarmouth)
Berwick Academy (South Berwick)

Top 3 School Districts

Naperville Community Unit School District 203
New Trier Township High School District 203
Community High School District 128
Falmouth School Department
Yarmouth Schools
Cape Elizabeth Schools

In both Illinois and Maine, the focus on quality education is evident through their top-rated schools and districts. Illinois boasts prestigious universities and a variety of highly ranked public and private K-12 schools, making it a beacon for educational excellence in the Midwest. Maine, on the other hand, might surprise you with its highly commendable education system, especially in towns like Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, and Yarmouth, where the public schools consistently deliver top-notch education experiences. The presence of acclaimed colleges such as Bowdoin and Bates in Maine ensures that seniors have excellent higher education opportunities close to home. Whichever state you choose, both offer strong educational foundations for your children.

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