Best Minnesota to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Minnesota to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 624 mile MN to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 166 Minnesota 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 Metro Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Illinois Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Metro Movers9.499.73Authorized For PropertyContact
2606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.278.89Authorized For HHGContact
5Goal Line Moving9.269.42Authorized For HHGContact
6Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI9.198.26ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Minnesota to Illinois

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 624 miles from Minnesota to Illinois will cost on average $2,312 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MN to IL move is roughly $5,541. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,556300 ft³5.19
1 Bedroom$2,312450 ft³5.14
2 Bedrooms$3,816750 ft³5.09
3 Bedrooms$5,5411100 ft³5.04
4 Bedrooms$7,9801600 ft³4.99
5+ Bedrooms$8,8871800 ft³4.94
*Please note: These Minnesota to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Minnesota & 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 MN to IL mover.
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Compare the 6 Best MN to IL Movers

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

Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,008+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
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
2
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
3
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 528+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Goal Line Moving Logo

Goal Line Moving

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 664+ data points

Plymouth, MN

About Goal Line Moving

Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2926126 / 1088400

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI Logo

Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.19/10
based on 331+ data points

3019 Bryant Ave S # 203

Minneapolis, MN, 55408

About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, assembly, and installation of...

Services

  • Exercise Equipment Moving
  • Exercise Equipment Disassembly
  • Exercise Equipment Assembly

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 3/14/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3914686 / -

Active

CARRIER

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers-
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
6
Rankings You Can Trust background image
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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 Minnesota to Illinois

Moving from one state to another entails diving deep into the benefits and drawbacks that accompany such a significant change. This guide presents an honest reflection of both the good and bad aspects of relocating from Minnesota to Illinois, aiming to provide a balanced view through comparative charts. It's essential for potential movers to weigh these factors carefully to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Colder winters
  • Less urban
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Higher state income tax
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Milder winters
  • More urban
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Lower state income tax
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flatter landscape
  • Fewer lakes
  • Higher crime rates
  • Higher cost of living
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Natural beauty
  • Abundant lakes
  • Safer overall
  • Lower cost of living

Illinois offers a vibrant urban experience compared to Minnesota, notably in Chicago, a city celebrated for its Art Institute of Chicago, expansive parks such as Lincoln Park, and renowned restaurants like Alinea. While Minnesota prides itself on its natural landscapes and the tranquility of its numerous lakes, Illinois compensates with its rich cultural scene, potentially lower state income tax, and milder winters, especially appealing for those seeking more urbanity and diversity in their daily lives. In essence, while Illinois may offer a flatter landscape with higher living costs in areas, the state provides ample opportunities for cultural, gastronomic, and professional growth.

Minnesota vs. Illinois Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine provides a glimpse into the culture and day-to-day life of a new location. That's why we're bringing you a comparison of the local cuisine between Minnesota & Illinois . This comparison will help you become more familiar with the food scene in the state you're moving to.

MinnesotaIllinois
Most iconic local food itemHotdishChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishWalleyeItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemJucy LucyChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupChicago Vegan Deep Dish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Minnesota to Illinois, you’ll transition from a culinary scene known for its comforting Hotdish and Jucy Lucy burgers to the bold flavors of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. The iconic Minnesota Walleye fish fry exemplifies the state's love for locally sourced freshwater fish, contrasting with Illinois' urban appetite for globally inspired dishes like the Chicago vegan deep dish. Neighborhoods such as Chicago's Wicker Park and Logan Square buzz with innovative food trucks and vegan eateries, echoing the vibrant foodie ecosystem. Meanwhile, establishments like Matt's Bar in Minnesota continue to serve quintessential Minnesotan dishes, highlighting the rich culinary diversity each state offers.

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Minnesota vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate markets of Minnesota and Illinois is crucial for making an informed decision. This section highlights key aspects of housing to consider, helping you understand how these states stack up against each other.

ComparisonMinnesotaIllinois
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and BungalowGeorgian and Tudor
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLakeside views, Nature proximityAccessibility, Downtown proximity

The housing market offers a glimpse into the lifestyle you can expect in Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota's emphasis on lakeside views and proximity to nature aligns with its higher median home price and excellent bikeability, correlating to an active, yet serene lifestyle. On the other hand, Illinois boasts slightly more affordable housing, better urban lifestyle scores, and real estate listings that often highlight accessibility and downtown proximity. This suggests a vibrant urban living experience, possibly with easier access to cultural and social amenities. Choosing the right state greatly depends on your lifestyle preferences, whether you value tranquility and nature or the hustle and bustle of city life.

Minnesota vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Minnesota to Illinois, understanding the weather differences between the two states is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust better to your new environment. The purpose of these charts is to compare weather conditions, highlighting Minnesota and Illinois, so you're well-prepared for the change.

Summer icon
83/63

Minnesota

85/65

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
23/7

Minnesota

35/22

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30

Minnesota

39

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
54

Minnesota

22

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMinnesotaIllinois
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesTornadoes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Minnesota to Illinois, you'll notice a milder winter, with Illinois experiencing less snowfall but slightly more rainfall throughout the year. The small difference in average annual humidity means the air won't feel drastically different, but Illinois does enjoy a slightly higher UV index, indicating more sun exposure. Both states share common top seasonal allergies, so prepare accordingly. Considering the variation in natural disasters, it's important to familiarize yourself with local emergency preparedness plans in Illinois.

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

Moving between states is a significant decision, especially when considering the financial implications of living in a new place. This comparison aims to provide insight into the economic differences you'll encounter when relocating from Minnesota to Illinois, focusing on key aspects like income, taxation, and living costs.

ComparisonMinnesotaIllinois
Avg. Household Income$82,338$76,708
Cost of Living Index98.7594.25
State Income Tax5.35 - 9.854.95 (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax1.152.16
Avg. Sales Tax6.886.25
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail TradeManufacturing, Healthcare, Retail Trade
AffluenceGenerally affluentModerately affluent
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

When moving from Minnesota to Illinois, one of the most noticeable differences will be in the state income and property taxes. Minnesota has a progressive income tax system, where rates increase with income, as opposed to Illinois's flat income tax rate. However, Illinois tends to have a much higher property tax rate, which is something to consider if you're planning to buy a home. It's also notable that while Illinois has a slightly lower average sales tax, the cost of living index is lower in Illinois compared to Minnesota. This means your everyday expenses might be slightly less in Illinois, making it more feasible for some families or individuals.

Minnesota vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Minnesota to Illinois involves not just a change of scenery, but also a dive into diverse societal fabrics. This quick comparison offers an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Minnesota & Illinois . Understanding these aspects will help you better integrate and appreciate the cultural nuances of your new home.

MinnesotaIllinois
Political Make-upLean DemocraticDemocratic Stronghold
Local PoliticsModerately progressive, particularly in urban areas like MinneapolisHeavily progressive, especially in Chicago and other major cities
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant Lutheran denomination presenceChristian majority, diverse denominations with a significant Catholic presence

While both states share a Christian majority, the religious landscape differs notably; Minnesota has a substantial Lutheran community reflecting its Scandinavian heritage, whereas Illinois, with its rich cultural amalgam, hosts a broad spectrum of Christian denominations, with Catholicism being prominently observed. Politically, you will find a shift from the lean Democratic roots of Minnesota to the more pronounced Democratic stronghold of Illinois, especially indicative in the local politics of major cities like Chicago. These cities are not just political hubs but also centers of cultural diversity and forward-thinking policies. Understanding these dynamics can enrich your relocation experience by aligning with local communities that share your values and interests.

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Illinois

Moving between states can be a transformative experience, especially when it comes to education. To help make your transition smoother, we’ve compared educational facilities to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Minnesota and Illinois . This comparison will aid you in making well-informed decisions for you or your family's educational needs.

MinnesotaIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Minnesota—Twin Cities
Minneapolis
St. Olaf College
Northfield
Carleton College
Northfield
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign
Northwestern University
Evanston
University of Chicago
Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Scenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka
Deephaven Elementary
Deephaven
Creek Valley Elementary
Edina
Lincoln Elementary
River Forest
South Park Elementary
Deerfield
The Lane Elementary
Hinsdale

Top 3 Middle Schools

Wayzata East Middle School
Plymouth
Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka
Maple Grove Middle School
Maple Grove
Clarendon Hills Middle School
Clarendon Hills
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Wilmette Junior High School
Wilmette

Top 3 High Schools

Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka
Wayzata High School
Plymouth
Eden Prairie High School
Eden Prairie
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
New Trier Township High School
Winnetka
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago

Top 3 private high schools

Breck School
Golden Valley
The Blake School
Minneapolis
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Blake School
Minneapolis
Breck School
Golden Valley
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 School Districts

Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka
Wayzata Public Schools
Plymouth
Eden Prairie Schools
Eden Prairie
New Trier Township High School District 203
Winnetka
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills

When it comes to choosing the right educational path for your family, both Minnesota and Illinois offer outstanding options. For example, the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stand out for college-bound seniors, showcasing strong academic programs and vibrant campus lives. At the elementary level, Scenic Heights Elementary in Minnetonka and Lincoln Elementary in River Forest are celebrated for their exceptional educational environments. Moreover, for those considering private education, the Blake School in Minneapolis and the Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest offer rigorous academic programs across K-12 levels. The choice between these two states hinges on specific educational needs, cultural fit, and other personal considerations beyond mere rankings.

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