Best New York to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from New York to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 933 mile NY to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 299 New York 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 JP Urban Moving), 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 New York 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 New York to Illinois Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1JP Urban Moving9.859.78Authorized For HHGContact
2Metropolis Moving9.729.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Flex Moving and Storage9.689.74Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Solidarity Movers9.689.76Authorized 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 New York to Illinois

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 933 miles from New York to Illinois will cost on average $2,575 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NY to IL move is roughly $6,184. 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 New York 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 New York to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,731300 ft³5.77
1 Bedroom$2,575450 ft³5.72
2 Bedrooms$4,254750 ft³5.67
3 Bedrooms$6,1841100 ft³5.62
4 Bedrooms$8,9141600 ft³5.57
5+ Bedrooms$9,9391800 ft³5.52
*Please note: These New York to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New York & 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 NY to IL mover.
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Compare the 6 Best NY to IL Movers

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

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo

Metropolis Moving

Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

476 Jefferson St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4277979 / 1662478

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Flex Moving and Storage Logo

Flex Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,380+ data points

276 Greenpoint Ave 287, Suite

Brooklyn, NY, 11222

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Solidarity Movers Logo

Solidarity Movers

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 2,319+ data points

251 Himrod St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Solidarity Movers

New York is a big city, and residents need a reliable company to help them move. That’s where Solidarity Movers’ five-star...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3519325 / 1167577

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (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 New York to Illinois

Moving from one state to another is a significant life change that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on the New York to Illinois relocation, outlining both the good and the bad aspects to help you make an informed decision. By comparing the cons of leaving New York with the pros of moving to Illinois, and vice versa, you will have a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
New York iconNew York
  • Higher living costs
  • Dense population
  • Harsh winters
  • Long commutes
Illinois iconIllinois
  • More affordable housing
  • Less crowded
  • Milder winters
  • Shorter commutes
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Fewer cultural institutions
  • Less culinary diversity
  • Fewer job sectors
New York iconNew York
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • World-class museums
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Abundant job opportunities

When considering a move from New York to Illinois, it's essential to weigh the quality of life factors against each other. Illinois offers the charm of midwestern living with more affordable housing options, such as in cities like Springfield or the quieter suburbs of Chicago. While Illinois may have milder winters compared to New York's biting cold, it does mean saying goodbye to the bustling nightlife and diverse food scene found in places like Manhattan. However, Illinois is not without its culinary and cultural gems. The state is home to renowned establishments like Chicago's restaurants and iconic sights, including the historic Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield. This move might mean trading in some of the fast-paced hustle of New York for a more laid-back lifestyle, but with its own set of unique attractions and communities to explore.

New York vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food is an integral component of local culture and gives insight into what life is like in a particular area. In this guide, we'll explore the local cuisine so you can be better informed about the food scene where you're moving. This comparison of the local cuisine between New York & Illinois aims to bridge your culinary curiosity and preparation for a new gastronomic adventure.

New YorkIllinois
Most iconic local food itemNew York-style pizzaChicago-style deep dish pizza
Most popular meat dishCorned beefItalian beef
Most popular street food itemHot dogsPolish sausage
Most popular vegan foodBagels with vegan spreadsVegan deep-dish pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Carmine's
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Garrett Popcorn Shops
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Embarking on your culinary journey in Illinois, specifically in the city of Chicago, means diving into a deep-dish pizza that's rich, thick, and unlike anything else. Explore neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park for a vibrant vegan scene; these areas offer everything from vegan deep-dish pizzas at local establishments like Kitchen 17, to inventive plant-based meals. Illinois' passion for meat isn’t limited to its iconic Italian beef; explore the Polish influence with a savory Polish sausage available at numerous street food vendors. For a taste of local charm and history, a visit to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Portillo's is a must; they epitomize the deep-rooted food culture of Illinois.

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New York vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a critical factor in any relocation journey. Understanding how housing aspects in New York and Illinois compare will guide you in making informed decisions about your move. From costs to architecture and lifestyle , these insights will illuminate the unique characteristics of each state's real estate market.

ComparisonNew YorkIllinois
Typical Architecture StylePre-war, BrownstonePrairie, Farmhouse
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to public transit, ViewsYard space, Quiet neighborhood

When considering a move from New York to Illinois, it's important to note the stark contrasts in housing costs and styles. The median home price and rent in New York are significantly higher, reflecting the state's bustling urban environment and dense population. Architecture in New York often includes iconic pre-war buildings and charming brownstones, while Illinois showcases diverse architectural influences like Prairie and Farmhouse styles, a nod to its historical and cultural background. Additionally, New York's higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores indicate a more compact living environment, often preferred by those who value proximity to public amenities and a fast-paced lifestyle. Conversely, Illinois' real estate listings frequently highlight attributes such as ample yard space and quiet neighborhoods, appealing to those seeking a more relaxed and spacious living situation.

New York vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Understanding how weather will vary is crucial when moving from one location to another. If you're planning a move from New York to Illinois, getting acquainted with the climate differences will help you adjust faster. This comparison chart highlights key weather aspects to consider.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

New York

85°F / 65°F

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39°F / 26°F

New York

35°F / 22°F

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.9

New York

39.2

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
25.3

New York

22.0

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew YorkIllinois
Air QualityModerateVaries (from moderate in cities to good in rural areas)
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersTornadoes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When considering a move from New York to Illinois, the subtle yet impactful weather differences are important. Illinois experiences slightly colder winters with fewer days of sunshine annually, which could affect your daily life and mood. Despite similar summer temperatures, the higher average humidity in Illinois might make the air feel heavier during warmer months. Additionally, being prepared for different natural disasters, such as tornadoes in Illinois versus hurricanes in New York, is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Understanding these weather patterns will help you make a smoother transition.

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

When deciding to relocate from one state to another, it’s crucial to understand the financial differences you will encounter. This comparison charts the key monetary aspects between New York and Illinois, offering insights into what you can expect. The purpose of this chart is to compare the cost of living, taxes, and economic environment between New York and Illinois , giving you a clear picture of how your finances might be affected.

ComparisonNew YorkIllinois
Avg. Household Income$79,557$76,708
Cost of Living Index102.894.25
State Income Tax4% - 8.82%4.95% (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax1.68%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax8.52%8.82%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, Professional ServicesManufacturing, Services, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighMedium
HomelessnessElevatedModerate

While the average household income is relatively similar between New York and Illinois, there's a noticeable difference in the cost of living index—New York being significantly higher at 149.9 versus Illinois at 94.5. This may influence your decision if budgeting is a primary concern. Illinois offers a singular flat state income tax rate, which simplifies tax preparations compared to New York's variable rates based on income levels. The comparison of top industries between both states highlights diverse economic environments, with New York focusing on finance and professional services, while Illinois boasts a robust manufacturing sector. This variance may impact your job search or business opportunities in both states. Additionally, Illinois has a higher average property tax rate, which is an important consideration if you plan to purchase a home.

New York vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider moving from New York to Illinois, it's helpful to get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents. This guide provides a comparison to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of the political and religious landscape between New York & Illinois .

New YorkIllinois
Political Make-upDemocratic leaningDemocratic leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal, especially in urban areasMixed, with a balance of liberal in cities and conservative in rural areas
ReligionChristianity, Judaism, Islam, among othersChristianity, Judaism, Islam, among others

In both New York and Illinois, you'll find a predominantly Democratic political leaning, particularly strong in urban centers such as New York City and Chicago. However, Illinois presents more political diversity, with its rural areas often leaning more conservative compared to New York's largely liberal stance. The religious landscape in both states is quite varied, with strong Christian communities alongside significant Jewish and Muslim populations. This diversity reflects the rich cultural tapestry that both states offer, making them welcoming to people from various backgrounds and beliefs.

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Illinois

When considering a move from New York to Illinois, it’s essential to assess educational opportunities for your family. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in New York and Illinois. You'll be equipped to make the best decisions for your children's education.

New YorkIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

PS 77 Lower Lab School (New York City)
Success Academy Charter School (Bronx)
Anderson School (New York City)
Lincoln Elementary School (Springfield)
Meadow Glens Elementary School (Naperville)
Willowbrook Elementary School (Glenview)

Top 3 Middle Schools

East Side Middle School (New York City)
Yorkville East Middle School (New York City)
I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School (Brooklyn)
Woodlawn Middle School (Long Grove)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Kennedy Junior High School (Lisle)

Top 3 High School Schools

Stuyvesant High School (New York City)
Bronx High School of Science (Bronx)
Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)

Top 3 private high schools

Horace Mann School (Bronx)
Collegiate School (New York City)
Trinity School (New York City)
University of Chicago Lab Schools (Chicago)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Riverdale Country School (Bronx)
The Spence School (New York City)
The Chapin School (New York City)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
North Shore Country Day (Winnetka)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)

Top 3 School Districts

Scarsdale Union Free School District
Jericho Union Free School District
Great Neck Public Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Community High School District 128

When analyzing the education landscape, it’s evident that both New York and Illinois boast impressive institutions across all levels of schooling. For example, high schools such as Stuyvesant High School in New York and Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois are nationally recognized for their academic excellence, offering a robust curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. Similarly, private K-12 schools like The Riverdale Country School in New York offer a diverse and enriching environment that mirrors the offerings of the Latin School of Chicago in Illinois. This comparison indicates that regardless of your destination, your children have access to top-tier education facilities that cater to a wide range of academic and extracurricular interests.

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