Best Illinois to Michigan Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Illinois to Michigan and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 406 mile IL to MI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 186 Illinois to Michigan 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 Pro-Low Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Michigan. 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.
Best Illinois to Michigan Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pro-Low Moving | 9.68 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | 9.35 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Handle With Care Moving & Delivery | 9.05 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Illinois to Michigan
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 406 miles from Illinois to Michigan will cost on average $2,126 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to MI move is roughly $5,088. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,433 | 300 ft³ | 4.78 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,126 | 450 ft³ | 4.73 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,507 | 750 ft³ | 4.68 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,088 | 1100 ft³ | 4.63 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,321 | 1600 ft³ | 4.58 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,146 | 1800 ft³ | 4.53 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Michigan to Illinois guide.
Popular Illinois to Michigan Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Illinois to Michigan
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Illinois to Michigan Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IL to MI Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Pro-Low Moving
665 136th Ave
Holland, MI, 49424
About Pro-Low Moving
Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3508434 / 1160481 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 105,000 (2023) |
606 Movers, Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Murphy Family Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2965334 / 7122 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2023) |
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery
4260 Varsity Dr
Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery
Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 808976 / 359936 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2023) |
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.
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 Michigan
Moving can be a significant life event, filled with both excitement and trepidation. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Illinois to Michigan . By examining the pros and cons side by side, you can make a more informed decision about whether this move aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Illinois- Higher taxes
- Flat landscape
- Cold winters
- Less lake access
Michigan- Lower property taxes
- Varied terrain
- Similar climate
- Great Lakes access
Michigan- Smaller cities
- Different vibe
- Economic adjustment
- More car dependent
Illinois- Vibrant Chicago
- Rich culture
- Economic diversity
- Better public transport
When considering the move from Illinois to Michigan, there's a lot to unpack beyond simple pros and cons. For instance, Illinois offers the architectural marvel and historical depth of Chicago, a city teeming with cultural institutions, diverse restaurants, and robust public transportation. On the flip side, Michigan presents a different spatial experience with its stunning Great Lakes shorelines and the charm of local communities like Traverse City and Mackinac Island. Michigan's varied terrain, from its sand dunes to forested areas, provides a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the year. Though the transition might involve adapting to a more car-dependent lifestyle outside of Michigan's cities, the natural beauty, and generally lower cost of living could make Michigan an attractive new home.
Illinois vs. Michigan Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Michigan, highlighting how food plays a crucial role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of an area. Drawing insights into the food scene of both states will ensure you're well-informed before making your move.
| Illinois | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Chicago Deep Dish Pizza | Detroit-style Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Pasties |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Coney Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan | Tempeh |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Illinois, especially in Chicago, the deep dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a must-try, representing a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity. Similarly, Michigan offers its unique twist on pizza with the Detroit-style pizza, found in many local establishments. For a taste of Michigan's local cuisine, Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor is highly recommended, offering a variety of local dishes with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients. Whether you're craving the savory Italian beef and loaded hot dogs of Illinois or the comforting pasties and Coney dogs of Michigan, each state offers rich and diverse dining experiences that reflect their unique food scenes.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering relocating, understanding the real estate market is pivotal in making an informed decision. This comparison between Illinois and Michigan aims to provide a snapshot of each state's housing scene, focusing on cost, architecture, and lifestyle measures to better guide your move.
| Comparison | Illinois | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie School | Bungalow and Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Stainless steel appliances | Lakefront, Garage |
While both states offer unique attributes to prospective homeowners or renters, each has its distinctive flair. Illinois, with its slightly higher living costs, boasts the Prairie School architecture prominent in cities like Chicago, reflecting a rich historical tapestry. Conversely, Michigan presents a more affordable housing market coupled with the charm of bungalow and ranch-style homes, often located within proximity to the state's abundant lakes and natural beauty. The urban lifestyle in Illinois is noted to be more vibrant, partly due to the higher walkability and bikeability scores in major cities, which could appeal to those seeking a busy city life. On the other hand, Michigan's appeal lies in its serene landscapes and access to outdoor recreational activities, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter but engaging lifestyle.
Illinois vs. Michigan Weather Considerations
If you're planning a big move, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. Moving from Illinois to Michigan presents variations in climate that could impact your daily life. By comparing weather patterns, you can better prepare for your new environment.
Illinois
Michigan
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Michigan
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Michigan
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Michigan
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornados, storms | Snowstorms, some tornados |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Illinois to Michigan, you can expect cooler summers and harsher winters in Michigan, highlighting a need for a more versatile wardrobe. Michigan's greater annual snowfall, averaging about 60 inches, suggests a readiness for snow removal and winter driving conditions. Despite similar air quality levels, the higher average humidity in Michigan, combined with the prevalent pollen, could impact those with allergies differently. The adjustment to fewer sunny days might also be noticeable, truly bringing the seasons to life in your new Michigan home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Michigan
When planning your move from Illinois to Michigan, it's crucial to grasp how your expenses might shift. This comparison delves into the financial aspects that influence your daily life, from taxes to the cost of living, ensuring you're well-prepared for this transition.
| Comparison | Illinois | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $66,986 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 91.2 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 1.54 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.8 | 6.0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Trade, Transportation, Utilities | Manufacturing, Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, Utilities |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Noticeable |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Moderate |
When comparing the financial landscapes of Illinois and Michigan, a few points stand out. The average household income in Illinois is higher, which might relate to its slightly higher cost of living index. However, Michigan's overall lower taxes, including state income and sales taxes, can contribute to a more affordable living situation for many. It’s also worth noting that while both states face issues with poverty and homelessness, these challenges manifest differently across locales. Taking a closer look at the predominant industries can also provide insights on job opportunities that align with your career path as you make your move.
Illinois vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Illinois to Michigan, it's useful to get a quick glimpse into the communities you're about to join. This comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Michigan . Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural landscape you're moving into.
| Illinois | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Swing State |
| Local Politics | Moderate to liberal urban areas | Mixed, with liberal cities and conservative rural areas |
| Religion | Christian, Non-religious, Jewish, Muslim | Christian, Non-religious, smaller Jewish and Muslim communities |
In both Illinois and Michigan, the political and religious landscapes are diverse, shaping the local cultures in unique ways. Illinois often leans Democratic, especially in its urban centers like Chicago, which influences local policies and community projects. Michigan, as a swing state, showcases a vibrant mix of political views, with liberal cities such as Ann Arbor and conservative rural areas adding to the state's diverse dialogue. On the religious front, both states share a predominance of Christian and non-religious residents, but Illinois typically presents a slightly more varied religious makeup with its larger Jewish and Muslim communities. Understanding these dynamics can significantly enhance your adjustment process as you move.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Michigan
Moving from Illinois to Michigan brings about many changes, but perhaps none so important as the adjustments in educational opportunities for you and your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Michigan , ensuring you make the best decision for your educational needs.
| Illinois | Michigan |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary School Chicago; South Loop Elementary School Chicago; River Woods Elementary School NapervilleBates Academy Detroit; Wealthy Elementary School East Grand Rapids; Spring Lake Intermediate School Spring Lake | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Payton College Preparatory High School Chicago; Kennedy Junior High School Lisle; Marie Murphy School WilmetteBoulan Park Middle School Troy; Mill Creek Middle School Dexter; East Middle School Grand Blanc | |
Top 3 High Schools Payton College Preparatory High School Chicago; Northside College Preparatory High School Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School LincolnshireInternational Academy Bloomfield Hills; City High Middle School Grand Rapids; Troy High School Troy | |
Top 3 private high schools University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago; Latin School of Chicago ChicagoCranbrook Schools Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School Beverly Hills; Greenhills School Ann Arbor | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Latin School of Chicago Chicago; Elgin Academy Elgin; Francis W. Parker School ChicagoCranbrook Kingswood School Bloomfield Hills; Roeper School Birmingham; Greenhills School Ann Arbor | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township High School District Northfield; Community High School District 128 Vernon Hills; Naperville Community Unit School District 203 NapervilleEast Grand Rapids Public Schools East Grand Rapids; Bloomfield Hills Schools Bloomfield Hills; Okemos Public Schools Okemos | |
Both Illinois and Michigan boast strong educational infrastructures, but with nuanced differences that could significantly impact your decision. For instance, Illinois is home to high-caliber institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which are popular among the state’s high school seniors. In contrast, Michigan's top choices include the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, emphasizing a strong local preference. When it comes to K-12 education, both states offer exceptional public and private schools. Illinois’ Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills Schools are often cited for their excellence, reflecting their investment in quality education. Making a move between these states requires a careful evaluation of these educational landscapes to ensure the best fit for your family's needs and aspirations.
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