Real cost estimates, top mover reviews, and a cost-of-living breakdown for your 1,611-mile move from Tempe, AZ to Illinois. Everything you need to plan it right.
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If you're moving from Tempe to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,600 miles, a serious lifestyle shift, and — depending on where you land — a meaningful drop in what it costs to live. The desert-to-Midwest jump affects everything from your utility bills to your wardrobe. It's worth going in with clear expectations.
I've looked at the movers working this route, pulled the cost data, and laid out the key numbers so you can make a smart decision instead of just guessing.
Out of 67 Tempe movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the five I'd put at the top of your list for a Tempe to Illinois relocation:
3416 S 48th St, Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040 4.6 / 5 | 110 Yelp reviews | 286 Google reviews | BBB: A+ 89% positive | DOT #2911596 | 8 years in business
Mentors earns its reputation mostly on speed and care. Across 126 analyzed reviews, 89% flag efficient crews, punctual arrivals, good communication, and careful handling. Customers also appreciate when the final bill reflects the original quote — and Mentors gets credit for that more often than not.
The complaints worth knowing about: a handful of reviews describe damaged or missing items, final charges significantly higher than estimates, and friction when trying to resolve issues. Not the majority, but enough to matter if you've got fragile or high-value goods. Push for full-valuation coverage in writing before you sign anything.
(480) 605-1782
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Credit cards accepted.
10000 N. 31st Ave., Suite C100-127, Phoenix, AZ 85051 4.66 / 5 | 118 Yelp reviews | BBB: A+ 90% positive | DOT #1836576 | 30 years in business
Thirty years in the business is not a number you fake. Of 121 analyzed reviews, 90% describe NorthStar's crews as fast, polite, and reliable from scheduling through delivery. Item damage is rare, and final costs tend to land in a reasonable range. The 5% negative feedback mostly covers damage, attitude issues, or unexpected charges — which, at that rate, isn't alarming.
What I'd tell a friend: NorthStar is one of the more dependable options on this route, and the three-decade track record carries real weight.
(800) 275-7767
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Cash and credit cards accepted.
6056 E Baseline Rd, Suite 149, Mesa, AZ 85206 4.76 / 5 | 133 Yelp reviews | 218 Google reviews | BBB: A+ 97% positive | DOT #3190108 | 8 years in business
A 96.6% positive rate across 357 reviews is genuinely rare. Gilbert Moving earns it through consistent professionalism, transparent pricing, and crews that move efficiently without cutting corners. Multiple customers mention the job came in under budget — that's the kind of detail that builds a reputation. The negative reviews — property damage, billing disputes, insurance friction — exist but represent a small fraction of the total.
Gilbert is the top-rated mover on this list for a reason. If you're comparing options for a Tempe to Illinois move, start here.
(480) 825-8648
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Credit cards accepted.
7039 E 6th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 4.58 / 5 | 50 Yelp reviews | 48 Google reviews | BBB: A+ 76% positive | DOT #2527384 | 26 years in business
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a well-known name, and this Scottsdale location generally delivers — crews are praised for efficiency, professionalism, and care. But 24% of reviews flag item damage, surprise charges, and communication issues with office staff. That's a higher complaint rate than the others on this list. Not disqualifying, but worth taking seriously.
Get the final pricing structure in writing before you commit. Document your items before the move. That's not paranoia — that's standard practice with any mover, and especially important here.
(480) 582-0747
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit cards accepted.
4627 E Ivy St, Mesa, AZ 85205 4.66 / 5 | 844 Yelp reviews | 1,008 Google reviews | BBB: A+ 98% positive | DOT #1759501 | 20 years in business
Volume and quality together. Just-In Time has over 1,800 reviews across platforms and a 98% positive rate — that's an unusual combination. Customers describe efficient crews, smooth communication, and transparent pricing. Many report coming in under their original quote. Negative feedback (1.4% of reviews) covers item damage and claims issues, which are the usual moving industry pain points. At that rate, they're outliers, not a pattern.
If you want the lowest-risk option on this list, Just-In Time is the call.
(480) 213-0395
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes. Credit cards accepted. Deposit required.
Quick breakdown of specialty services available from Tempe movers:
| Service | Movers offering | % of Tempe market |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 57 | 85% |
| Small moves | 38 | 57% |
| Antiques | 36 | 54% |
| Art | 34 | 51% |
| Pianos | 53 | 79% |
| Fragile-only packing | 23 | 34% |
Specialty handling is well-covered in Tempe — pianos, art, antiques. If you're moving anything unusual, you have real options. Just confirm the company you hire has actual experience with your item type on long-haul moves, not just local ones.
Use the moving cost calculator to get a number that reflects your actual situation. The table below gives you the range based on a 1,611-mile move:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 – $4,653 | $1,010 – $2,294 | $877 – $1,684 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,846 – $6,467 | $1,837 – $3,633 | $968 – $2,086 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,424 – $8,951 | $2,266 – $4,814 | $1,295 – $2,551 |
Approximate estimates based on a 1,611-mile move from Tempe, AZ to Illinois. Pricing data as of January 2026. Your actual quote will vary based on move size, add-on services, access and parking conditions, fuel costs, and time of year. Compare at least three quotes before committing.
A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,242–$4,653 with a full-service mover. Two to three bedrooms comes in at $2,846–$6,467, and four-plus bedrooms lands in the $5,424–$8,951 range. That wide spread is real — it reflects the gap between budget carriers and established long-distance movers with proper insurance and experienced crews. Cheaper isn't always better on a 1,600-mile haul.
Moving containers sit between full-service and DIY. You pack your own stuff; the company handles transport. Small loads run $1,010–$2,294. Two to three bedrooms comes in at $1,837–$3,633, and larger homes at $2,266–$4,814. The main advantage is flexibility — you control the packing pace and delivery timing doesn't have to align with your exact schedule.
The rental truck route is the cheapest option on the spreadsheet: $877–$1,684 for a small move, $968–$2,086 for mid-size, and $1,295–$2,551 for a larger home. Fuel is factored in. What isn't factored in is driving a 26-foot truck across 1,600 miles of interstate, loading and unloading everything yourself, and the physical toll that takes over several days. For some people, that trade-off makes total sense. For most, the price difference between a rental and a container shrinks fast once you add time and effort.
Three variables move the needle more than anything else:
Leaving Arizona for Illinois is one of the more financially interesting moves you can make. Housing costs drop significantly, the overall cost of living is lower, and average incomes are higher. The catch is a higher state income tax. It's not a simple win — it's a trade-off worth mapping out before you go.
| Tempe, AZ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,834 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $471,494 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $64,080 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.95% |
Tempe sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What the numbers actually mean:
| Tempe, AZ | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 104°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 42°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 9″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things to actually digest here:
Getting the logistics right matters as much as picking the right mover:
Illinois runs deeper than Chicago, though Chicago alone could keep you occupied for years. A few places worth knowing about:
Museums
Parks
Sports teams
Universities
Typically 4 to 15 days, depending on the carrier, the time of year, and how busy their schedule is. Summer moves push toward the longer end. Get a confirmed delivery window in writing — not just an estimate, a commitment — before you sign the contract.
38 movers in Tempe offer custom crating for delicate or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics. Confirm the company you hire has handled your specific item type on long-distance moves, not just locally.
Auto transport is the right call for a 1,600-mile move. Open carriers cost less; enclosed transport is worth the premium for high-value or collector vehicles. Check our car shipping guide for vetted carriers on this route and what to expect on price.
Economic opportunity is the main pull. Chicago's job market is one of the strongest in the Midwest, and when you combine higher average incomes with a lower cost of living, the financial math can shift dramatically in your favor — even after accounting for the higher income tax rate.
Start with our roundup of the best long-distance movers. Every pick is vetted on licensing, actual customer reviews, and pricing transparency — not just what the mover says about themselves.
Yes, 15 movers in Tempe accept cash. That said, traceable payment methods are the standard for good reason — there's a paper trail if something goes wrong. Most movers require a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before you sign anything, not on move day.
Ready to get real quotes for your Tempe to Illinois move? Use the MoveFinders cost calculator to compare estimates and find movers who actually operate this route well.
