Best Illinois to Maryland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Maryland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 786 mile IL to MD move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 200 Illinois to Maryland 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 AT Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Maryland. 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 Maryland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1AT Movers9.649.76Authorized For PropertyContact
2AJ Moving Services LLC9.569.5Authorized 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 Maryland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 786 miles from Illinois to Maryland will cost on average $2,450 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to MD move is roughly $5,878. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,648300 ft³5.49
1 Bedroom$2,450450 ft³5.44
2 Bedrooms$4,045750 ft³5.39
3 Bedrooms$5,8781100 ft³5.34
4 Bedrooms$8,4701600 ft³5.29
5+ Bedrooms$9,4391800 ft³5.24
*Please note: These Illinois to Maryland moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Maryland. 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 MD mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to MD Movers

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

AT Movers Logo

AT Movers

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.64/10
based on 1,252+ data points

9336 Reach Rd

Potomac, MD, 20854

About AT Movers

AT Movers is a moving company based in Potomac, with business hours from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM and 8:00...

Services

  • Wrapping, stocking, and relocation
  • Assembling the uplift desks
  • The protection of the valuable frames and pictures

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3455533 / 1126253

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
AJ Moving Services LLC Logo

AJ Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 549+ data points

12905 Falling Water Cir Apt T3

Germantown, MD, 20874

About AJ Moving Services LLC

AJ Moving Services LLC, based in Frederick, MD, has been providing a broad range of moving solutions for both residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Move
  • Office Move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3866515 / 1414221

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved17,000 (2023)
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 Maryland

Moving from one state to another is a major decision that requires a careful consideration of both the benefits and drawbacks. This guide aims to provide you with a balanced perspective by comparing Illinois to Maryland, highlighting the attributes of each location. This way, you can make an informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher Taxes
  • Harsh Winters
  • Flat Landscape
  • Less Coastal Access
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Lower Taxes
  • Milder Winters
  • Varied Geography
  • More Coastal Access
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Smaller Cities
  • Higher Housing Costs
  • Denser Traffic
  • Less Agricultural
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Rich Culture
  • Abundant Farmland
  • Vibrant Metropolises
  • Lower Cost of Living

Choosing Maryland over Illinois introduces you to a rich tapestry of varied landscapes and milder winters, a refreshing change from Illinois's flat terrains and harsh cold spells. Maryland’s coastline is a treasure trove of seafood restaurants such as Phillips Seafood in Baltimore, offering you a taste of the Atlantic's bounty. Neighborhood parks like Patterson Park, and historic sights including Fort McHenry, enrich your outdoor experiences. Conversely, Illinois's vibrant metropolises like Chicago, with its deep-dish pizza and iconic skyline featuring the Willis Tower, offer a distinct urban charm and cultural richness that might be missed. However, Maryland counters with its own set of urban attractions, like the bustling streets of Annapolis and the educational tours in the capital, providing a blend of history, culture, and modern living.

Illinois vs. Maryland Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Illinois & Maryland is essential to understanding the cultural flavor and lifestyle of your new home. Food is a vivid expression of local culture and exploring these differences will better prepare you for your transition. Let's dive into the tastes that define these states.

IllinoisMaryland
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaCrab cakes
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogSoft shell crab sandwich
Most popular vegan foodSeitanBlack bean burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Phillips Seafood
  • G&M Restaurant
  • Bertha's Mussels
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Whether you're indulging in deep-dish pizza near Chicago's Lakefront or savoring crab cakes by Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the local cuisine significantly enriches your living experience. Illinois boasts a vibrant food scene, with Chicago's impressive array of food trucks and high-energy neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Logan Square offering everything from Ethiopian vegan dishes to classic American comfort food. Maryland, particularly Baltimore and Annapolis, counters with a strong seafood tradition, highlighted by restaurants like Phillips Seafood that offer fresh, local catches. Vegan and health-conscious options are plentiful, reflecting both states' growing trends toward dietary diversity and sustainability. Embrace the local cuisine; it's an adventure in every bite.

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Illinois vs. Maryland Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the moving process, making it crucial to understand how the living environments of Illinois and Maryland compare, particularly in essence of housing cost, architecture, walkability, and lifestyle.

ComparisonIllinoisMaryland
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, CraftsmanColonial, Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, stainless steel appliancesEnergy efficiency, proximity to water

In transitioning from Illinois to Maryland, you'll notice differences not just in housing costs but also in the living environment. Maryland, with its slightly higher urban lifestyle score, indicates a more vibrant day-to-day urban life compared to Illinois. This vibrancy is also reflected in Maryland's real estate listings, where energy efficiency and proximity to bodies of water are often highlighted, a nod to Maryland's ample coastline and environmental consciousness. Architecture styles between the two also differ, reflecting the historical and cultural backgrounds of each state: Illinois' Prairie School and Craftsman homes contrast with Maryland's Colonial and Cape Cod influences, offering a variety of aesthetics to suit different tastes.

Illinois vs. Maryland Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one state to another, it's critical to consider differences in climate and weather. Understanding how the weather in Illinois compares with weather in Maryland is essential for your preparation and adaptation to a new environment. This comparison will help set your expectations and ensure you're ready for the change.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

87/66

Maryland

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

42/29

Maryland

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

44

Maryland

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

20.5

Maryland

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisMaryland
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Illinois and Maryland share similarities in summer temperatures and types of seasonal allergies, notable differences are seen in their winter weather, natural disaster risks, and the amount of sunshine received annually. You'll find Maryland winters to be milder, which might be a welcome change if you're not a fan of the colder, harsher winters in Illinois. Furthermore, the higher number of sunny days in Maryland could improve your overall mood and outdoor activity levels. Also, it’s important to note that Maryland’s closer proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences its weather patterns, making it susceptible to hurricanes but also contributing to its moderately higher UV index and average annual rainfall. Understanding these nuances will help you better adapt to your new environment in Maryland.

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

When moving from one state to another, it's crucial to understand the financial differences you will encounter. This comparison aims to enlighten you on how your money and finances will adjust moving from Illinois to Maryland, helping you better prepare for your relocation.

ComparisonIllinoisMaryland
Avg. Household Income$76,708$94,991
Cost of Living Index94.25124.95
State Income Tax4.95 (flat rate)2.00 to 5.75
Avg. Property Tax2.161.10
Avg. Sales Tax6.256.00
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureProfessional & Technical Services, Health Care, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessConcerningModerate

Moving from Illinois to Maryland, you'll discover noticeable differences in household income and the cost of living. Maryland boasts a higher average household income at $83,242 compared to Illinois at $65,030. However, this comes with Maryland also having a higher cost of living index. Property taxes are significantly lower in Maryland, potentially offsetting some cost of living expenses. Moreover, the diversity in predominant industries between the two states suggests varying job opportunities aligned with your expertise, particularly if you're in the professional services, healthcare, or finance sectors. Understanding these dynamics can significantly affect your transition and financial planning.

Illinois vs. Maryland Political & Religious Comparison

In making the jump from Illinois to Maryland, it's beneficial to grasp this comparison of the politics between Illinois & Maryland, alongside noting the religious inclinations of each state's residents. This quick overview aims to provide a snapshot, aiding in your adaptation to your new surroundings.

IllinoisMaryland
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixture of both liberal and conservative areas, with urban areas tending to be more liberalLiberal, especially in urban areas like Baltimore and Montgomery County
ReligionChristianity is predominant, but a diverse range of religious beliefs are presentChristian majority with significant Jewish, Muslim, and other religious communities

Transitioning from Illinois, where the political climate can vary significantly from one area to another, to Maryland's predominantly liberal political landscape might be an adjustment. Urban areas in both states tend to lean more liberal, a commonality that might ease your transition. On the religious front, while Christianity is the predominant faith in both states, Maryland boasts a notably diverse religious landscape, including significant Jewish, Muslim, and other communities. This diversity enriches Maryland's cultural fabric, potentially offering you a wider array of cultural and community engagements.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Maryland

To make an informed decision when moving from Illinois to Maryland, compare school options between these two states is crucial. This guide provides an overview of the educational landscape, helping you understand what each state offers in terms of quality and opportunity.

IllinoisMaryland

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Towson University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary (Springfield)
South Loop Elementary (Chicago)
Greeley Elementary (Winnetka)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Stone Mill Elementary (North Potomac)
Fulton Elementary (Fulton)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Woodlawn Middle (Long Grove)
Maple School (Northbrook)
Kennedy Junior High (Lisle)
Thomas W. Pyle Middle (Bethesda)
Herbert Hoover Middle (Potomac)
Cabin John Middle (Potomac)

Top 3 High School Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High (Lincolnshire)
Northside College Preparatory High (Chicago)
New Trier High (Winnetka)
Winston Churchill High (Potomac)
Thomas S. Wootton High (Rockville)
Walt Whitman High (Bethesda)

Top 3 private high schools

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
The Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
Landon School (Bethesda)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Gilman School (Baltimore)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)
Sidwell Friends School (Bethesda)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township HSD 203 (Northfield)
Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 (Northbrook)
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Montgomery County Public Schools (Rockville)
Howard County Public School System (Ellicott City)
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (Annapolis)

Moving from Illinois to Maryland means considering a myriad of factors, especially when it comes to education. Both states offer prestigious institutions for higher learning, with Maryland home to the likes of University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, which attract students globally. For K-12 education, Illinois boasts some high-performing schools, such as Adlai E. Stevenson High, acclaimed for its comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular offerings. Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools, meanwhile, is noted for its diversity and quality, providing a range of educational programs to meet different student needs. This comparison helps underline the importance of researching and understanding the educational landscape to find the best fit for your child's needs.

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