Moving from Nashville to Illinois: Costs, Movers, and What to Expect
If you're moving from Nashville to Illinois, you're looking at roughly a 441-mile haul — long enough to qualify as a real interstate move, short enough that containers and full-service movers both make sense depending on your situation. The finances usually shift in your favor once you land: Illinois runs noticeably cheaper than Nashville on rent and housing. The offset is a 4.95% state income tax and winters that hit considerably harder. Worth understanding before you start collecting quotes.
Here's the breakdown on costs, which Nashville movers consistently handle state-to-state work well, and what to sort out before moving day.
Top Nashville Movers for Your Move to Illinois
Out of the Nashville-area companies I've evaluated that handle interstate moves, these five rank highest for service to Illinois:
- Bellhop Moving — 4.56 / 5
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery — 4.56 / 5
- 6th Man Movers — 4.5 / 5
- Nashville Master Movers — 4.48 / 5
- Motivated Movers, Inc. — 4.56 / 5
Bellhop Moving
209 10th Ave, Suite 560, Nashville, TN 37203 | DOT #2878240 | 12 years in business
79% positive | 21% negative | Google reviews (506 reviews) | Grade: C+
Across 222 analyzed reviews, Bellhop earns strong marks for speed, professional crews, and smooth coordination. Customers describe punctual teams that communicate well and handle belongings carefully. The 21% negative share is real, though — complaints center on property damage, late arrivals, and post-move follow-up that sometimes disappears. For a Nashville-to-Illinois job, Bellhop is a reasonable pick if you document your belongings beforehand and confirm cancellation policy in writing.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, storage | Credit cards accepted | Deposit required
Good Guys Moving & Delivery
410 Central Ave, Nashville, TN 37211 | DOT #1906318 | 12 years in business | $130/hr
95% positive | 3% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile Grade A+
A 95% positive rate across 37 reviewed pieces of feedback is about as high as I see in this market. Customers consistently point to careful handling, honest pricing, and crews that show up ready to work. Negatives are rare — when they appear, they involve damage and slow claim resolution. Good Guys handles offices, storage, and interstate moves alongside standard local service. If you prioritize reliability and want a mover that earns near-universal recommendations, this is the strongest case on this list.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, storage | Credit cards accepted
6th Man Movers
309 Hermitage Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210 | DOT #2315850 | 14 years in business
90% positive | 8% negative | Yelp reviews (236 reviews) | Google reviews (1,010 reviews) | BBB profile Grade A+
Over 1,000 Google reviews at a 90% positive rate puts 6th Man in rare company. Reviewers consistently call out efficient crews, transparent pricing, and careful handling — even on longer interstate runs. Complaints follow the industry pattern: damaged items, occasional late arrivals, and slower responses to damage claims. They handle pianos and safes, which matters if you have high-value or heavy pieces making the Nashville-to-Illinois trip. One of the stronger bets on this list for interstate work.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, safes, storage | Credit cards accepted
Nashville Master Movers
3200 West End Ave #500, Nashville, TN 37203 | DOT #897743 | 24 years in business
79% positive | 20% negative | Yelp reviews (38 reviews) | Google reviews (447 reviews)
Twenty-four years in business is real tenure, and customers recognize it — crews move fast, handle large jobs competently, and earn particular praise for antiques and piano work. The 20% negative rate reflects late arrivals and unresolved damage claims. That's a higher complaint share than you'd expect from a company this established. If you're moving specialty pieces from Nashville to Illinois, their crating and fragile-only packing services are a genuine differentiator. Go in with clear expectations on arrival windows and get the damage claim process in writing.
Services: Local, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, fragile-only packing | Credit cards accepted
Motivated Movers, Inc.
3441 Lebanon Pike, #112, Hermitage, TN 37076 | 11 years in business
68% positive | BBB Grade A+ | Google reviews (246) | Yelp (35 reviews)
Motivated Movers has the broadest specialty range on this list — hot tubs, pool tables, pianos, antiques, safes — which makes them worth a quote if you have oversized or awkward items heading to Illinois. The 68% positive rate across 40 analyzed reviews is lower than the others here, with complaints centering on item damage, unexpected charges, and inconsistent follow-through. Friendly service and solid communication are recurring positives. Go in with eyes open on the damage track record, especially if you have valuable pieces.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, crating, safes, storage | Credit cards accepted
Nashville Moving Services at a Glance
A quick snapshot of what Nashville movers can handle beyond a standard load:
| Service | # of movers | % of Nashville market |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 31 | 81.6% |
| Small moves | 19 | 50.0% |
| Antiques | 12 | 31.6% |
| Art | 10 | 26.3% |
| Pianos | 23 | 60.5% |
| Fragile-only packing | 3 | 7.9% |
Cost to Move from Nashville to Illinois
The ranges below cover the three main service types for this route, based on a ~441-mile distance.
| Move size | Hiring movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,103 – $3,160 | $648 – $1,423 | $363 – $675 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,835 – $4,780 | $1,061 – $2,124 | $391 – $753 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,288 – $6,911 | $1,408 – $2,772 | $467 – $953 |
Estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Actual quotes vary based on move size, add-on services, timing, access, and fuel. Truck rental ranges include estimated fuel costs.
Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to get a more tailored number for your specific load and schedule.
Cost to Hire Movers from Nashville to Illinois
Full-service movers on this route run $1,103 to $3,160 for a studio or one-bedroom. A two- to three-bedroom home lands between $1,835 and $4,780. Four or more bedrooms brings you into $3,288 to $6,911 territory.
For long-distance movers with national infrastructure behind them, Allied Van Lines and United Van Lines both service this corridor. If you want a broker that works with a vetted carrier network across Tennessee, SafeShip Moving is one I've seen handle Tennessee-to-Illinois coordination well on multi-day interstate jobs.
Cost of Moving Containers from Nashville to Illinois
Moving containers sit in the middle ground: you pack on your own schedule, a company handles the transport. For a small load, expect $648 to $1,423. A two- to three-bedroom home typically falls between $1,061 and $2,124. Four or more bedrooms runs $1,408 to $2,772.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Nashville to Illinois
A rental truck is the cheapest line item — but you're buying that savings with your time and physical effort. Loading, driving 441 miles, and unloading is a full day of work. These ranges include estimated fuel:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $363 – $675
- 2–3 bedrooms: $391 – $753
- 4+ bedrooms: $467 – $953
If you have help on both ends and you're comfortable behind the wheel of a large vehicle, it's a legitimate trade-off.
What Drives Your Moving Cost from Nashville to Illinois
Three variables move the needle more than anything else:
- Move size. More rooms, more stuff, more truck space and labor hours. Trim before you pack — whatever you don't bring doesn't cost money to move.
- Time of year. Summer is peak moving season across the region. Rates climb and availability tightens from May through August. If your schedule has flexibility, fall or early winter gets you better pricing and more mover options.
- DIY vs. professional. Hiring movers costs more up front but buys back your time and energy. On a 441-mile drive, that trade-off is worth doing the math on before defaulting to either choice.
What to Know Before Moving from Nashville to Illinois
Moving to Illinois from Nashville typically means a lighter housing burden — but the financial picture has real offsets. Here's the comparison in detail.
Cost of Living: Nashville vs. Illinois
| Nashville, TN | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,971 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $428,678 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $79,020 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 105 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent is about 40% lower in Illinois. That's real monthly cash flow opening up.
- Home prices are roughly 42% lower — significant if you're thinking about buying.
- Incomes are nearly identical, so your earning power transfers without major adjustment.
- Overall cost of living runs about 14% lower in Illinois, which compounds across groceries, utilities, and daily spending.
- Unemployment is higher in Illinois by about 18% relative to Nashville. Worth researching your specific field and region before assuming the market will be as open.
- State income tax. This is the number Nashville residents most often underestimate. Tennessee has zero state income tax. Illinois charges a flat 4.95%. Run that against your actual salary — it can partially erase the rent savings, depending on your income level.
How Life Changes Moving from Nashville to Illinois
| Nashville, TN | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49–48 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 27°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 49″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
The practical adjustments:
- Winters hit harder. Illinois bottoms out around 17°F versus Nashville's 27°F. Budget for higher heating costs and get your winter gear ready before the first cold snap — not after.
- Snow is a real factor. Illinois averages 22 inches per year; Nashville typically gets about 4. Plan for shoveling, adjusted driving habits, and occasional days where everything slows down.
- Less rain. Illinois sees about 40 inches annually compared to Nashville's 49. More clear days, which most people appreciate quickly.
- Lower crime index. Illinois registers 19.7 versus Nashville's 49.1. Your specific neighborhood matters more than statewide figures, but the directional difference is meaningful.
- Political shift. Illinois leaned Democratic in the last presidential election; Nashville went Republican. Worth knowing if that context shapes your daily life.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few logistics that can create real headaches if you skip them:
- HOA rules. If your new building or community has an HOA, confirm moving restrictions — hours, truck access, elevator use — before you book anyone.
- Elevator reservations. Moving into a Chicago high-rise or multi-story apartment? Freight elevator time typically needs to be reserved through building management in advance. Don't assume it's available.
- Truck parking permits. Some Illinois municipalities require permits for moving trucks on public streets. Check with the local city or village hall before your move date.
- State licensing. Illinois movers handling intrastate household goods moves must hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify that any company you hire has a current certificate before signing a contract — you can check on Illinois's official regulatory site.
- Moving permits. Illinois doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but city-level parking rules vary — Chicago in particular has specific zones and restrictions around moving trucks.
- Change of address. Submit your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You can set the start date to your moving day and mail forwards automatically.
- Moving insurance. Basic Released Value Protection covers 60 cents per pound — not much if something expensive breaks. Ask your mover about full-value protection or get a quote from a third-party insurer if you have items worth protecting properly.
- Stay organized. A solid moving checklist takes five minutes to set up and keeps the pre-move logistics from piling up in the final week.
Things to Do in Illinois
Whether you land in Chicago or somewhere downstate, Illinois has more going for it than most people give it credit for before they arrive.
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Nashville to Illinois take?
Plan on one to four days, depending on your service type and where in Illinois you're headed. Summer moves can run longer due to demand — both mover availability and transit times get stretched. Confirm your delivery window with your mover before moving day; don't assume.
How many Nashville movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Eighteen Nashville movers offer custom crating for fragile or unusual items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have specialty pieces, confirm the specific mover can handle your items before you sign anything.
What's the best way to move a car from Nashville to Illinois?
Auto transport is the practical choice for most people on this route. Use our car shipping calculator for a cost estimate, and see our guide to car shipping companies for vetted options.
Why are people moving from Nashville to Illinois?
Chicago is the primary draw — it's one of the largest economic hubs in the country, with major industries in finance, technology, healthcare, and logistics. Illinois's lower cost of living relative to Nashville also factors in for people looking to stretch their income further, even accounting for the income tax difference.
Do Nashville movers accept cash?
Nine Nashville movers accept cash, but it's not the standard. Most movers prefer traceable payment — credit cards are typical. You'll generally put down a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms and the deposit structure before you sign anything.
Compare at least three quotes before committing to a mover on this route — rates vary more than most people expect. Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to establish a baseline, then get estimates directly from movers to see where the real numbers land for your specific move.