Moving from Philadelphia to Illinois: Costs, Companies & What to Know
If you're moving from Philadelphia to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 846 miles — a real interstate haul that takes more planning than most people expect going in. Whether you're relocating for a job in Chicago (see our Philadelphia to Chicago guide for a more targeted breakdown), chasing lower living costs, or just ready for a change, the decisions you make now — which mover, which service type, which time of year — will determine what you actually spend.
Below is what I'd walk a friend through if they asked me to break this move down for them.
Local Moving Companies in Philadelphia
Out of 69 Philadelphia-area movers that handle interstate moves, here are five worth considering for a run to Illinois.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company — 4.5 / 5
- Transtar Moving Systems — 4.58 / 5
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.52 / 5
- Keep It Moving, LLC — 4.5 / 5
- Bellhop Moving — 4.38 / 5
Gentle Giant Moving Company
1450 S Warfield Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 Yelp reviews | BBB: A+
98% positive across 25 Yelp reviews. That's a number that's hard to argue with. The consistent feedback: fast, careful crews who communicate well and typically come in at or under the original estimate. Repeat customers are mentioned frequently, which is usually the clearest signal of actual service quality. 44 years in business. State license: 373544 | DOT: 373544.
Where it can go sideways: claims handling after damage is slow, and a few reviewers describe difficulty getting responses once a problem is acknowledged. Rare, but if something breaks, don't expect a quick resolution.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, crane vans, storage, offices — credit card accepted.
Transtar Moving Systems
925 N Lenola Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057 (Philly metro) Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
92% positive across 257 analyzed reviews. Transtar has 63 years in the business, and the reviews reflect that depth — professional crews, careful handling, and consistently smoother experiences than customers expected. The negatives, when they appear, involve damage during storage or delivery and some billing confusion, which tends to be more common in long-haul moves regardless of who you use. State license: 39PC00058806 | DOT: 939629.
For a Philadelphia-to-Illinois move, the combination of experience and review volume makes Transtar one of the stronger options on this list.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, safes, storage — credit card accepted.
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.
8295 National Hwy Ste B, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (Philly metro) Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
88% positive across 237 reviews, and 51 years in business. What stands out in Anchor's feedback is the specificity — customers regularly name individual crew members, which usually signals consistent quality at the crew level, not just good PR from management. Estimates tend to match final charges, which matters more than people realize until it doesn't. State license: 125550 | DOT: 125550.
Anchor is also DOD certified — worth noting if you're military or need a contractor that meets federal standards. Negative feedback mirrors the industry pattern: slow damage claims and occasional unexpected charges. Confirm their claims process before you sign.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage — DOD certified.
Keep It Moving, LLC
300 E Godfrey Ave Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19120 Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: F
I'll be direct: the BBB F grade and 26% negative review rate put Keep It Moving in a different risk category than the others on this list. The positives are real — customers describe professional, on-time crews and competitive pricing. But complaints are consistent enough to take seriously: damaged items, delays, and unreturned calls after problems arise. State license: 8915205 | DOT: 2313514, 19 years in business.
For a short local job, maybe. For an 846-mile move to Illinois, I'd want better claims-handling credentials before recommending them outright. Check the FMCSA database, ask for references, and get everything in writing before any deposit changes hands.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, antiques, crating, storage — cash and credit card accepted.
Bellhop Moving
230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 Yelp reviews | BBB: C
58% positive, 38% negative — and the gap matters. Bellhop operates more like a tech-enabled platform than a traditional moving company, which explains both its appeal (lower prices, easy booking) and its failure modes. When crews show up ready, customers love them. But last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and slow damage resolution all appear in the negatives with more frequency than you'd see from established operators. DOT: 2878240, 14 years in business.
If your schedule has flexibility and nothing fragile is moving, Bellhop can be cost-effective. If you have a hard move-out date or anything you'd hate to replace, the more established operators above are a better bet.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, storage — credit card accepted.
Local Moving Services in Philadelphia, PA
A quick look at what's available among the 69 Philadelphia-area movers handling interstate moves:
| Service | # of Movers | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 61 | 88% |
| Small moves | 26 | 38% |
| Antiques | 41 | 59% |
| Art | 37 | 54% |
| Pianos | 53 | 77% |
| Fragile-only packing | 13 | 19% |
Cost to Move from Philadelphia, PA to Illinois
Use the table below as a baseline, then run your numbers through the moving cost calculator to get a sharper estimate based on your actual home size and timeline.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,024 – $3,932 | $719 – $1,745 | $521 – $1,085 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,048 – $5,241 | $1,319 – $2,523 | $616 – $1,277 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,469 – $7,244 | $1,736 – $3,399 | $733 – $1,535 |
Estimates are based on an 846-mile move from Philadelphia, PA to Illinois, using verified rate data updated monthly. Final costs depend on inventory, add-ons, access constraints, fuel, and timing. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Philadelphia to Illinois
Studio or one-bedroom: $1,024–$3,932. Two to three bedrooms: $2,048–$5,241. Four-plus bedrooms: $3,469–$7,244.
The spread within each range is real and meaningful. What lands you at the low end versus the high end comes down to how much stuff you have, what services you add (packing, storage, specialty items), and which mover you pick. A one-bedroom move in October costs considerably less than the same move in July. Get at least three quotes and compare them on a level playing field — same inventory list, same service scope.
For a haul this long, prioritize long-distance movers who specialize in interstate moves over general local companies that occasionally take longer-distance jobs.
Cost of Moving Containers from Philadelphia to Illinois
Moving containers are the middle-ground option: you handle the loading and unloading; the container company handles the 846-mile drive. Small load: $719–$1,745. Two to three bedrooms: $1,319–$2,523. Larger household: $1,736–$3,399.
More flexibility than hiring movers, less physical effort than driving a truck yourself. Worth comparing if your schedule allows time to load at your own pace.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Philadelphia to Illinois
A rental truck is your cheapest option when the numbers work. Studio/one-bedroom: $521–$1,085. Two to three bedrooms: $616–$1,277. Four-plus bedrooms: $733–$1,535. Those ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
What they don't include: 14+ hours behind the wheel across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, a night or two in a hotel, and doing all the loading and unloading yourself. The savings are real on a move like this — just go in with eyes open about what you're actually trading off.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Philadelphia to IL
- Move size: More rooms, more stuff, more truck space, more labor. This is the biggest single cost driver — more than distance or timing in most cases.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season everywhere, including Philadelphia. Tighter availability and higher rates from the better movers run roughly May through September.
- DIY vs. professional: The DIY route saves money, but hidden costs — rental gear, fuel, lodging, meals — close the gap faster than people expect on long hauls. Factor in all of it before you decide.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Philadelphia to IL
Compare Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs. Illinois
Moving to Illinois from Philadelphia generally means a lower cost of living — but not uniformly across every category. Here's what the data actually shows.
| Philadelphia, PA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $216,914 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What those numbers mean in practice:
- Rent is about 30% cheaper in Illinois — a real monthly difference.
- Home prices in Illinois run roughly 15% higher than Philadelphia. If you're buying, budget for the higher mortgage.
- Average income is about 11% higher in Illinois, which helps offset other costs.
- The cost of living index is about 13% lower overall — that's tangible breathing room in your budget.
- Unemployment is roughly half what it is in Philadelphia, which matters if you're arriving without a job locked in.
- Illinois state income taxes are 61% higher than Pennsylvania's. That will show up in every paycheck.
How Life Is Different in Philadelphia, PA from Illinois
| Philadelphia, PA | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 26°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 47" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 13" | 22" |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
Things worth flagging before you pack:
- Summers are nearly identical. 87°F versus 86°F — you won't feel the difference. Both are humid, so factor that in.
- Winters are colder. Illinois averages a low of 17°F versus Philadelphia's 26°F. Budget for higher heating bills and gear you'll actually need.
- More snow, less rain. Illinois averages 22 inches of snow (vs. Philadelphia's 13) and 40 inches of rain (vs. 47). The winters are more demanding; the grey rainy days are fewer.
- Crime is notably lower. An index of 19.7 versus Philadelphia's 66.09 is a meaningful gap — and for many people, one of the practical drivers of this move.
- Politics shift but stay in the same direction. Both areas lean Democratic, though Illinois is more competitive at 55-45 versus Philadelphia's 81-18.
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
Sort out these details before moving day:
- HOA rules: Check your new community's moving policies in advance. Some restrict hours, require elevator reservations, or need advance notice before a truck can park.
- Elevator reservations: If your building has one, book it. Crews lose real time competing for elevator access on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois cities require permits for large moving vehicles. A last-minute tow is expensive and completely avoidable — check local rules before the truck arrives.
- State licensing: Illinois regulates intrastate movers through the Illinois Commerce Commission. Companies need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to operate legally in-state. Verify your mover has a current one before you sign anything.
- Change of address: File your USPS change-of-address form at least a week before your move so forwarding is active when you arrive. Don't leave it until the last day.
- Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection covers only 60 cents per pound per item — essentially nothing for anything of real value. Ask about full-value protection through your mover or price out third-party coverage before moving day.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track the details that fall through the cracks when you're in the middle of packing everything you own.
Things to Do in Illinois
Illinois has more going on than just Chicago — though Chicago carries most of the cultural and entertainment weight.
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 Philadelphia to Illinois take?
Most Philadelphia-to-Illinois moves run two to seven days, depending on the mover, service level, and time of year. Summer can push that toward the longer end as movers work through packed schedules. Before booking, ask your mover for a written delivery window — not a vague estimate. "Two to four days" and "seven to ten business days" are very different commitments, and you want to know which one applies to your move.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in Philadelphia?
There are 46 Philadelphia-area movers that offer custom crating for art, antiques, and electronics. If you have items that need it, confirm the mover is building crates to the right dimensions and using appropriate materials for your specific pieces — not a generic box that technically fits.
What is the best way to get a car from Philadelphia to Illinois?
If you'd rather not put 850 miles on your car, auto transport is worth pricing out. Use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for getting your vehicle from Pennsylvania to your Illinois destination without the wear and the drive.
Why are people moving from Philadelphia to Illinois?
Economic opportunity — especially in Chicago — is the most common reason. Higher average incomes, roughly half the unemployment rate, and a lower overall cost of living make the trade-offs (higher income taxes, colder winters) feel worthwhile for a lot of people. Chicago pulls from across the country; the Philadelphia-to-Illinois flow is part of a broader national trend toward Midwest cities that still have real job markets and more affordable housing than coastal metros.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Philadelphia?
The five companies at the top of this page are what I'd look at first for this specific route. For a broader view, our roundup of best long-distance movers covers operators that specialize in cross-state hauls and have the infrastructure to back it up.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in Philadelphia, PA?
About 30 Philadelphia-area movers accept cash. That said, cash is the riskiest payment method for a move — no paper trail, no chargeback option, no formal dispute process if something goes sideways. If you pay cash, get a detailed written receipt at every stage: deposit, pickup, and delivery. Most movers will require a deposit upfront to hold your date regardless of how you pay, so build that into your planning.
Comparing quotes is the single most effective thing you can do to control costs on a move like this. Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to estimate your move before you start calling anyone — then get at least three real quotes and compare them on the same terms.