Best Maryland to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Maryland to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 797 mile MD to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 200 Maryland to Illinois 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 Maryland compared to Illinois. 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 Maryland to Illinois Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1AT Movers9.649.76Authorized For PropertyContact
2AJ Moving Services LLC9.569.5Authorized For HHGContact
3AB Secure Moving LLC.9.489.63Authorized For HHGContact
4Bulldog Movers9.429.49Authorized For HHGContact
5606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
6Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Maryland to Illinois

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 797 miles from Maryland to Illinois will cost on average $2,459 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MD to IL move is roughly $5,901. 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 Maryland and dropoff in Illinois 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 Maryland to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,654300 ft³5.51
1 Bedroom$2,459450 ft³5.46
2 Bedrooms$4,061750 ft³5.41
3 Bedrooms$5,9011100 ft³5.36
4 Bedrooms$8,5031600 ft³5.31
5+ Bedrooms$9,4761800 ft³5.26
*Please note: These Maryland to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Maryland & Illinois. 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 MD to IL mover.
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Compare the 6 Best MD to IL 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
AB Secure Moving LLC. Logo

AB Secure Moving LLC.

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.48/10
based on 669+ data points

Bowie, MD, 20716

About AB Secure Moving LLC.

AB Secure Moving LLC is a professional moving company with over 10 years of experience in the moving industry. Based in...

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3900650 / 1436879

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Bulldog Movers Logo

Bulldog Movers

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 587+ data points

Washington, IN, 47501

About Bulldog Movers

Bulldog Movers, based in Rockville, Maryland, offers moving services to areas such as Germantown, Washington D.C., Gaithersburg, and Virginia. Also serving...

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing & Unpacking
  • Piano Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3482586 / 1143505

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
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
5
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
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 Maryland to Illinois

Moving can be a daunting process, and when it come to relocating from Maryland to Illinois, it's vital to weigh the pros and cons to ensure a smooth transition. This guide is designed to give you a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks of making such a move. By examining both sides, you’ll be better equipped to make a well-informed decision about your future.

CONs
PROs
Maryland iconMaryland
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Humid summers
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Milder summers
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flat landscape
  • No ocean access
  • Higher tornado risk
Maryland iconMaryland
  • Vibrant cities
  • Access to coast
  • Rich history

While Maryland and Illinois offer distinct lifestyle opportunities, your decision to move can be influenced by several factors. Maryland, known for its vibrant cities like Baltimore and access to the Atlantic Ocean, presents a rich historical tapestry and an array of coastal adventures. In contrast, Illinois offers a different kind of charm with its expansive prairies and iconic metropolitan areas such as Chicago. Chicago’s renowned culinary scene, featuring deep-dish pizzas and the Magnificent Mile for shopping, is juxtaposed with the serene landscapes found in locales like Starved Rock State Park. The transition from the high cost of living and humid summers of Maryland to Illinois's milder climate and lower overall expenses can also present an appealing change, offering both economic benefits and an improved quality of life. The complexities of such a move highlight the importance of considering not only the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes that accompany a transition from the East Coast to the heart of the Midwest.

Maryland vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the local culture and what it's like to live in a specific area. That’s why we’ve crafted a comparison focused on the culinary scenes you’ll encounter when moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Maryland & Illinois, designed to help you navigate your new food environment more effectively.

MarylandIllinois
Most iconic local food itemCrab CakesChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishPit Beef SandwichItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemSoft Shell Crab SandwichHot Dog (Chicago style)
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Bertha's Mussels
  • Charm City Cakes
  • Phillips Seafood
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Maryland to Illinois, you'll find yourself transitioning from a cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay to one that embraces the heartland's robust flavors. Maryland's iconic crab cakes from spots like Phillips Seafood contrast with Illinois’ hearty deep-dish pizzas from renowned establishments such as Lou Malnati's. Baltimore's pit beef sandwiches and Chicago's Italian beef smothered in giardiniera offer delicious takes on regional meat dishes. For those exploring street food, Maryland's soft shell crab sandwiches exemplify local flavors, while in Illinois, you can’t miss out on a classic Chicago-style hot dog, best enjoyed at stands throughout the city. The vegan scene is vibrant in both states, with a slight edge in Illinois for its innovative uses of seitan. Whether you're dining at Bertha's Mussels in Baltimore or grabbing a bite at Alinea in Chicago, each state offers a unique insight into America's diverse culinary culture.

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Maryland vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how the two states compare, focusing on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between Maryland and Illinois.

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonialPrairie School
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront views, luxury kitchensHistorical significance, modern upgrades

When considering a move, it’s important to note the differences in living conditions between Maryland and Illinois. The median home price in Maryland is significantly higher than in Illinois, reflecting the premium for coastal living and proximity to Washington, D.C. However, Illinois compensates with a strong urban lifestyle, particularly in Chicago, where modern upgrades and historical buildings create a unique real estate market. Architecture aficionados will appreciate Illinois's dedication to Prairie School design, a contrast to Maryland’s colonial charm. The difference in walkability and bikeability scores indicates a slightly more car-dependent lifestyle in Maryland versus Illinois, but both states offer their unique advantages to residents.

Maryland vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares between Maryland and Illinois is crucial when planning a move. Acknowledging the differences in climate can help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings, ensuring you’re prepared for seasonal changes and weather patterns in your new home state.

Summer icon
87/66

Maryland

85/65

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
42/29

Maryland

35/22

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44.5

Maryland

39.2

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
20.6

Maryland

22.0

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Maryland and Illinois share similarities in humidity and the main seasonal allergies, their winter weather is notably different. In Illinois, you'll experience colder winters with slightly more snowfall than in Maryland, emphasizing the need for warmer clothing and possibly different commuting considerations during the snowy season. The lower number of sunshine days in Illinois might also affect your outdoor activities compared to Maryland. Such adjustments are important to consider for your lifestyle changes following the move.

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

When considering a move from one location to another, it's essential to weigh the financial aspects that will affect your living expenses and overall lifestyle. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of how moving from Maryland to Illinois will impact your finances, focusing on various economic indicators and living costs. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth transition and efficient financial planning.

ComparisonMarylandIllinois
Avg. Household Income$94,991$76,708
Cost of Living Index124.9594.25
State Income Tax2.00 - 5.754.95 (flat)
Avg. Property Tax1.092.16
Avg. Sales Tax66.25
Top 3 IndustriesBioHealth & Life Sciences, Cybersecurity, Aerospace & DefenseManufacturing, Agriculture, Energy
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate

Moving from Maryland to Illinois, you'll find that the average household income is lower in Illinois, which correlates with a lower cost of living index. This means your dollars might stretch further in Illinois, especially for housing and everyday expenses. However, it's important to note that Illinois has a flat state income tax rate, which might not favor all income brackets compared to Maryland's progressive tax system. The significantly higher property tax rate in Illinois could also impact your budget, especially if you're considering buying a home. Despite these differences, both states offer unique opportunities in leading industries, which could influence your employment prospects and overall financial well-being.

Maryland vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Maryland to Illinois, it's critical to understand the communities you'll be joining. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political makeup of Maryland & Illinois, local politics, and the religious landscape to help you gauge how you might fit into your new surroundings.

MarylandIllinois
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasDiverse, with both progressive and conservative regions
ReligionChristianity prominent, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, with a mix of other faiths represented

Both Maryland and Illinois lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, meaning you'll find communities supportive of progressive policies. However, Illinois showcases a broader palette of political views due to its mix of urban and rural areas. In terms of religion, both states host diverse religious communities, allowing for a rich tapestry of faiths and beliefs. This diversity reflects the overall cultural variety you're likely to encounter, enriching your experience in your new state.

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Illinois

The purpose of this comparison is to better understand the differences between Maryland and Illinois in terms of school options. This guide will help you navigate your educational choices as you plan your move, ensuring you find the best fit for your family's needs.

MarylandIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Maryland
Towson University
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Fulton Elementary (Fulton)
Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac)
Woodfield Elementary (Gaithersburg)
Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest)
South Park Elementary School (Deerfield)
Willowbrook Elementary School (Glenview)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda)
Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac)
Westland Middle School (Bethesda)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Twin Groves Middle School (Buffalo Grove)
Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook)

Top 3 High Schools

Poolesville High School (Poolesville)
Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda)
Winston Churchill High School (Potomac)
New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Northside College Prep High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)

Top 3 private high schools

Gilman School (Baltimore)
Holton-Arms School (Bethesda)
McDonogh School (Owings Mills)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Landon School (Bethesda)
Sandy Spring Friends School (Sandy Spring)
Severn School (Severna Park)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 School Districts

Montgomery County Public Schools
Howard County Public School System
Fairfax County Public Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield Township High School District 225
Community High School District 128

The detailed comparison highlights some remarkable aspects about education in Maryland and Illinois. For instance, Maryland boasts highly acclaimed Montgomery and Howard County school systems known for their strong academic programs. On the Illinois side, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a top choice for graduates, reflecting the state's strong emphasis on higher education. Furthermore, both states have exceptional private schools, with the Latin School of Chicago and the Gilman School in Baltimore offering top-tier K-12 education. These educational institutions not only deliver excellent academics but also provide a wide range of extracurricular activities and support services. When choosing the right school in either Maryland or Illinois, consider not just the academic record but also how each school's values and community align with your family's needs.

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