Best Michigan to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Michigan to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 408 mile MI to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 186 Michigan 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 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 Michigan 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.
Best Michigan to Illinois 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 | Handle With Care Moving & Delivery | 9.05 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | MASS Movers | 9.02 | 9.15 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Kingsley Moving Systems | 8.97 | 9.19 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Michigan to Illinois
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 408 miles from Michigan to Illinois will cost on average $2,128 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MI to IL move is roughly $5,092. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,434 | 300 ft³ | 4.78 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,128 | 450 ft³ | 4.73 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,509 | 750 ft³ | 4.68 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,092 | 1100 ft³ | 4.63 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,327 | 1600 ft³ | 4.58 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,153 | 1800 ft³ | 4.53 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Michigan guide.
Popular Michigan to Illinois Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Michigan to Illinois
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Michigan to Illinois Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best MI to IL 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) |
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) |
MASS Movers
Lansing, MI, 48910
About MASS Movers
MASS Movers is a leading moving company in Lansing, MI. Established in 2016, this family-owned and operated business specializes in creating...
Services
- Packing Service
- Large Item Moving
- Small to Medium Business Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3333210 / 1062576 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 32,500 (2024) |
Kingsley Moving Systems
610 Detroit St
Lansing, MI, 48912
About Kingsley Moving Systems
Kingsley Moving Systems is an experienced moving company located in Lansing, Michigan with over 20 years in the moving industry. Its...
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Interstate Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1890987 / 682343 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 140,000 (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 Michigan to Illinois
Moving from one state to another is a monumental decision filled with various factors to consider. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Michigan to Illinois . By comparing the cons and pros in this particular move, you can weigh your options more clearly and make a decision that best suits your needs and preferences. Let's dive into the specifics to understand what this move entails.
Michigan- Harsher winters
- Higher auto insurance
- Less public transit
- Fewer job opportunities
Illinois- Milder winters
- Lower auto insurance
- Better public transit
- More job opportunities
Illinois- Flatter landscapes
- Limited water access
- Higher property taxes
- Higher cost of living
Michigan- Natural beauty
- Great Lakes access
- Lower property taxes
- Lower cost of living
Moving from Michigan to Illinois offers a mixed bag of changes, especially regarding the living environment and economic opportunities. For instance, while you'll miss Michigan's picturesque Great Lakes and vibrant autumn landscapes, Illinois' more temperate winters and robust public transit system, notably in Chicago, provide tangible daily living benefits. Chicago's CTA offers extensive bus and rail connections unlike anything available in Michigan. Job seekers might find solace in Illinois' bustling job market, particularly in thriving industries in Chicago, such as finance, technology, and manufacturing. Despite facing higher property taxes and cost of living, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and The Loop, the state's rich cultural scene, including renowned institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and a diverse culinary scene featuring everything from deep-dish pizza to global cuisines, showcases the vibrant community and lifestyle awaiting you in Illinois.
Michigan vs. Illinois Food Guide
Food significantly shapes the local culture and living experience in any area. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Michigan & Illinois, aiming to better inform you about what the food scene is like where you are moving to.
| Michigan | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pasties | Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Detroit-style Coney Dogs | Italian Beef Sandwiches |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Chicago-style Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Pasties | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Michigan, pasties and Detroit-style Coney Dogs stand out as quintessential elements of local cuisine, reflecting the state's rich history and culture. Cities like Ann Arbor and Detroit are great places to explore this diversity, with Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor offering a taste of Michigan's finest. Moving to Illinois, especially Chicago, introduces you to a world-renowned food scene. Chicago-style deep dish pizza from places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and the uniquely prepared Italian Beef Sandwiches at Portillo's highlight the city's culinary identity. Furthermore, both states boast a rising number of vegan options and food trucks, though Illinois, particularly Chicago, leads with its vibrant foodie scene, offering diverse and rich culinary experiences.
Ready to start your move?
Michigan vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal aspect of relocating, making it crucial to comprehend how Michigan and Illinois fare in this domain. By comparing housing cost, architectural styles, walkability , and more, you can make an informed decision tailored to your needs and preferences.
| Comparison | Michigan | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Prairie Style, Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakefront, spacious yards | Historical features, proximity to transit |
When delving deeper into the housing aspect, it's noteworthy that Illinois generally showcases a higher cost of living, evident from its greater median home price and monthly rent. However, Illinois compensates with its stronger urban lifestyle rating and better walkability, particularly in cities like Chicago, renowned for its historical architecture and extensive public transit system. Michigan, on the other hand, often highlights its lakefront properties and spacious yards, catering to those seeking more natural scenery or outdoor space. Each state's typical architectural style reflects its unique cultural heritage, with Michigan favoring functional Craftsman and Ranch styles, while Illinois boasts Prairie Style and Victorian homes, indicative of its rich architectural history.
Michigan vs. Illinois Weather Considerations
When considering a move from Michigan to Illinois, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between these two states. This comparison will help you prepare for the climate changes and adjustments needed as you transition from one environment to another.
Michigan
Illinois
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Michigan
Illinois
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Michigan
Illinois
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Michigan
Illinois
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Michigan | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Michigan to Illinois, you'll find that winters are slightly milder, albeit with less annual snowfall, which might appeal to those who prefer less snowy conditions. However, summers in Illinois tend to be warmer and more humid, a factor worth considering for outdoor activities and general comfort. Both states share similar challenges with top seasonal allergies due to mold and pollen and face risks from different natural disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness for new residents.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Michigan to Illinois
When deciding to move, comparing financial aspects between your current and future home is crucial. This guide highlights the financial differences between Michigan and Illinois , focusing on key economic factors. Understanding these differences will ease your transition and financial planning.
| Comparison | Michigan | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,986 | $76,708 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 94.25 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.54 | 2.31 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 6.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Automotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Finance, Manufacturing, Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
When comparing Michigan to Illinois, it's evident that Illinois has a higher average household income, but this comes with a higher cost of living and higher taxation rates. Property taxes are significantly higher in Illinois, which impacts homeownership costs. The top industries in each state reflect the economic focus, with Michigan known for automotive and manufacturing, while Illinois has a strong finance sector. Despite Illinois' higher affluence, both states face moderate poverty levels, with homelessness being a more pronounced issue in Illinois. These financial insights are key to preparing for your move.
Michigan vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison
When contemplating a move from Michigan to Illinois, understanding how your neighbors may perceive the world politically and religiously can be insightful. This brief comparison will offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Michigan & Illinois, aiding in setting your expectations for your new home.
| Michigan | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed, leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Diverse, varying from conservative rural areas to liberal cities | Liberal in metropolitan areas such as Chicago, more conservative in rural regions |
| Religion | Christianity dominant, with a notable presence of other faiths | Primarily Christian, with diversity in urban areas |
While both Michigan and Illinois lean towards the Democratic side politically, the nuances in local politics reveal a tapestry of beliefs and voting patterns. For instance, Michigan's political landscape is marked by a sharper contrast between its urban and rural areas, similar to Illinois, where cities like Chicago are known for their liberal stance, yet this perspective gradually shifts as one moves into the state's less urbanized areas. Religion, mainly Christianity, plays a significant role in both states, but the greater diversity found in their urban centers invites a broader range of cultural and religious practices. This blend of political and religious views forms a dynamic community landscape that can provide a rich and varied social environment for newcomers.
Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Illinois
Deciding to move to a new state is a significant life change, especially when education for you or your family is a consideration. By comparing educational options in both states, you'll better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Michigan and Illinois . This guide aims to provide a clear picture of what each state offers, helping you make an informed decision.
| Michigan | Illinois |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State UniversityUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Northwestern University University of Chicago | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Harlan Elementary School (Birmingham) Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (Muskegon) Okemos Public Montessori at Central (Okemos)Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest) South Loop Elementary School (Chicago) Willowbrook Elementary School (Glenview) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Central Middle School (Midland) Meads Mill Middle School (Northville) West Middle School (Rochester Hills)Marie Murphy School (Wilmette) McClure Junior High School (Western Springs) Woodlawn Middle School (Long Grove) | |
Top 3 High School Schools International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School (Troy) Northville High School (Northville)Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire) New Trier High School (Winnetka) Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora) | |
Top 3 private high schools Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) The Roeper School (Birmingham)University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago) North Shore Country Day (Winnetka) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago) North Shore Country Day (Winnetka) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago) | |
Top 3 School Districts Okemos Public Schools Birmingham Public Schools Troy School DistrictNew Trier Township High School District 203 Community High School District 128 Naperville Community Unit School District 203 | |
When delving into the educational comparisons between Michigan and Illinois, one notes distinct offerings that cater to varied preferences. Michigan's top universities, such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, are known for their broad array of programs and significant research contributions. In Illinois, prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University attract students worldwide, notable for their academic excellence and research facilities. The top public and private schools in both states, such as Cranbrook Schools in Michigan and University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in Illinois, offer rigorous academic programs and a multitude of extracurricular activities. This variety ensures that whether you're looking for a top-tier public school district like Okemos Public Schools in Michigan or an affluent district such as New Trier Township in Illinois, there are ample high-quality educational options to consider in both states.
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