Best Illinois to Wisconsin Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Illinois to Wisconsin and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 265 mile IL to WI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 182 Illinois to Wisconsin 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 Elite Movers), 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elite Movers | 9.57 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | MACS Moving and Storage | 9.43 | 9.43 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | 9.35 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Illinois to Wisconsin
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 265 miles from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost on average $2,007 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to WI move is roughly $4,795. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,353 | 300 ft³ | 4.51 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,007 | 450 ft³ | 4.46 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,307 | 750 ft³ | 4.41 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,795 | 1100 ft³ | 4.36 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,894 | 1600 ft³ | 4.31 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,666 | 1800 ft³ | 4.26 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Wisconsin to Illinois guide.
Popular Illinois to Wisconsin Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Illinois to Wisconsin
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Illinois to Wisconsin Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IL to WI Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Elite Movers
429 Lake St
Eau Claire, WI, 54703
About Elite Movers
Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocations. They...
Services
- Full Service Move
- Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
- Single Item Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3579816 / 1208798 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2022) |
MACS Moving and Storage
901 Maxwell St
Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
About MACS Moving and Storage
Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for over...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2386699 / 820142 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 216,309 (2022) |
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) |
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 Wisconsin
Moving from one place to another always brings a mixed bag of feelings and outcomes. By comparing the experience of relocating from Illinois to Wisconsin, we aim to showcase an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Let's dive into the specifics and see how the cons of living in Illinois stack up against the pros of embracing life in Wisconsin—and vice versa.
Illinois- Higher taxes
- Urban congestion
- Winter extremes
- Limited public land
Wisconsin- Lower taxes
- More open space
- Milder winters
- Abundant public land
Wisconsin- Less diversity
- Smaller cities
- Car-dependent
- Fewer dining options
Illinois- Rich culture
- Vibrant cities
- Better public transit
- Diverse cuisine
While the prospect of lower taxes and more open spaces in Wisconsin is appealing, it's essential to consider what one might miss about Illinois. Illinois, with its thriving metropolis such as Chicago, offers an unparalleled richness in cultural experiences and dining options. You'll find everything from the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago to a diverse array of restaurants that are hard to match elsewhere. On the other hand, Wisconsin's abundant public land offers new recreational opportunities, with places like Devil’s Lake State Park providing breath-taking natural beauty and outdoor activities. While each state has its unique charm, it's the mix of urban and natural attractions that defines the real difference in lifestyle between Illinois and Wisconsin.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Illinois & Wisconsin is essential for understanding the food scene where you're moving to. Food deeply influences the local culture and living experience. This comparison will help you get a taste of what each state offers, making your transition smoother.
| Illinois | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Cheese curds |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian beef | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Fried cheese curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Chicago-style vegan pizza | Vegetarian chili |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to Illinois, you'll find that Chicago's food scene dominates with its iconic deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, which are a must-try for any newcomer. Featured establishments like Lou Malnati's for pizza and Portillo's for a true taste of Chicago-style hot dog showcase the city's rich culinary heritage. On the other hand, Wisconsin's love for dairy is unmatched, with cheese curds standing out as a local favorite, often enjoyed fried at local events or available fresh at farmers' markets across the state. Madison and Milwaukee are great cities to explore the diverse food scene, from bratwurst at local tailgates to innovative vegetarian chili options, highlighting Wisconsin's traditional and emerging culinary trends.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when contemplating a move. This comparison aims to provide clarity on Illinois vs. Wisconsin living spaces , addressing costs, architectural styles, and life quality measures such as walkability and bikeability. Understanding these distinctions can greatly inform your decision.
| Comparison | Illinois | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Chicago School | Craftsman and Cape Cod |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances | Lakefront views, spacious backyards |
When moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, you’ll find that the typical architecture shifts from the Prairie and Chicago School styles predominant in Illinois urban areas to the Craftsman and Cape Cod styles that are much loved in Wisconsin. This indicates not just aesthetic differences but also points towards the distinct cultural identities of each state. Moreover, while Illinois offers a slightly more urban lifestyle, as reflected in its higher urban lifestyle rating, Wisconsin compensates with superior bikeability and unique real estate features like lakefront views, hinting at a more nature-oriented lifestyle. Understanding these nuances can be key in making an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Weather Considerations
When considering a move from one location to another, understanding the differences in climate can greatly impact your experience. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in Illinois and Wisconsin will differ from what you are accustomed to, ensuring a smoother transition for those relocating.
Illinois
Wisconsin
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Wisconsin
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Wisconsin
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Wisconsin
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good with occasional issues | Generally good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, floods | Snowstorms, cold waves |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Illinois to Wisconsin means preparing for colder winters and more snowfall, with Wisconsin experiencing an average annual snowfall of 48 inches compared to Illinois's 22 inches. While both states enjoy roughly the same number of sunny days, Wisconsin's summers are slightly cooler. Air quality is generally good across both states, but potential movers should be aware of the higher likelihood of snow-related natural disasters in Wisconsin. Understanding these differences can help in acclimating to your new environment and ensuring your comfort year-round.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Wisconsin
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how financial aspects such as cost of living and taxes in Illinois vs. Wisconsin will affect your budget. This comparison will help you grasp the economic landscape you're moving into.
| Comparison | Illinois | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $70,996 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | Up to 7.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 5.46 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Services, Retail Trade | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower than Illinois |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Less than Illinois |
While both Illinois and Wisconsin offer a blend of economic strengths, there are distinct differences to be aware of. Illinois has a higher average household income compared to Wisconsin, which may reflect the cost of living and employment opportunities in each state. However, Wisconsin boasts a lower average cost of living and generally lower taxes, particularly in terms of property and sales tax, which could mean more disposable income in your pocket. Moreover, the industry landscape between the two states reveals a focus on manufacturing, yet Wisconsin has a notable emphasis on agriculture. Considering these aspects can help you make an informed decision and prepare financially for your move.
Illinois vs. Wisconsin Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from Illinois to Wisconsin? To help you understand your potential new home, we've prepared a quick overview comparing the politics between Illinois & Wisconsin and the religious landscape of both states. This snapshot will give you an at-a-glance view of what to expect from the local communities.
| Illinois | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Swing State |
| Local Politics | Chicago's influence strongly Democratic | Mix of liberal urban centers & conservative rural areas |
| Religion | Diverse, with Christianity being predominant | Primarily Christian, mixed denominations |
When delving deeper into these comparisons, you'll find that Illinois, notably influenced by the urban center of Chicago, has a more pronounced Democratic leaning in its politics. On the other hand, Wisconsin's political landscape offers a more nuanced blend, with its urban centers leaning liberal and rural areas holding conservative views. Religion across both states is predominantly Christian, but you will encounter a diverse range of denominations and religious practices due to the rich tapestry of cultures present in each state. Understanding these facets can help ease your transition and integrate into your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Wisconsin
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring a quality education for your family. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in school options between Illinois and Wisconsin, giving you a clearer understanding of what each state has to offer.
| Illinois | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison Marquette University University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary School (Springfield) South Loop Elementary School (Chicago) Eisenhower Academy (Joliet)Swallow School (Hartland) Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton) Shorewood Hills Elementary (Shorewood Hills) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Kennedy Junior High (Lisle) Daniel Wright Junior High (Lincolnshire) Maple School (Northbrook)Bayside Middle School (Bayside) Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove) Kromrey Middle School (Middleton) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire) Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago) Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago)Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay) Brookfield East High School (Brookfield) Cedarburg High School (Cedarburg) | |
Top 3 private high schools Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora) University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago) The Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Marquette University High School (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools University of Chicago Lab Schools (Chicago) The Latin School of Chicago (Chicago) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) Prairie School (Racine) | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township High School District 203 (Winnetka) Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville) Community High School District 128 (Vernon Hills)Elmbrook School District (Brookfield) Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (Middleton) Cedarburg School District (Cedarburg) | |
When comparing the educational opportunities in Illinois and Wisconsin, it's evident that both states offer highly reputable institutions at all levels. For families prioritizing collegiate preparation, Illinois boasts the internationally recognized University of Chicago and Northwestern University, drawing students globally. On the other hand, Wisconsin's top colleges, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison with its comprehensive programs, cater to a wide range of academic interests and professional paths. At the pre-collegiate level, Illinois is notable for its specialized high schools like Adlai E. Stevenson High School and the selective Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, both fostering environments for advanced learning. Wisconsin counters with a strong showing in public education, exemplified by the consistently top-ranked Elmbrook and Middleton-Cross Plains School Districts, ensuring excellence from elementary through to high school. Families moving between these two states will find distinct strengths in their educational systems, allowing for a tailored approach to meeting their academic needs and aspirations.
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