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.
Local moving companies in Tempe
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:
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5
- NorthStar Moving Company — 4.66 / 5
- Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.58 / 5
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5
Mentors Moving & Storage
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.
NorthStar Moving Company
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.
Gilbert Moving & Storage
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.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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.
Just-In Time Moving & Storage
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.
Local moving services in Tempe, AZ
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.
Cost to move from Tempe, AZ to Illinois
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.
Cost to hire movers from Tempe to Illinois
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.
Cost of moving containers from Tempe to Illinois
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.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tempe to Illinois
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.
Factors influencing moving costs from Tempe to IL
Three variables move the needle more than anything else:
- Move size: The volume of what you're shipping is the biggest cost driver. Decluttering before you move is one of the few things you can control that directly cuts your bill.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moving in fall or winter gets you better rates and more scheduling flexibility. If you can time it, it's worth doing.
- DIY vs. professional: Going the DIY route can save real money on a smaller move. On a 1,600-mile relocation, weigh the cost savings against the physical and logistical reality of doing it yourself.
What you should know before moving from Tempe to IL
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.
Compare cost of living: Tempe vs. Illinois
| 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:
- Rent is about 36% cheaper in Illinois — you'll feel that in your monthly budget immediately.
- Home prices are roughly 47% lower. If buying is on your radar, that changes what's within reach.
- Per capita income runs about 22% higher in Illinois, which widens the gap between what you earn and what things cost.
- Overall cost of living is about 20% lower — that's compression across groceries, transportation, and utilities, not just rent.
- Unemployment rates are nearly identical (5.4% vs. 5.3%), so the job market isn't meaningfully different.
- State income tax is the real offset. Illinois's 4.95% flat rate is nearly double Arizona's 2.5%. Run the math on your take-home before you celebrate the housing numbers.
How life is different in Tempe, AZ from Illinois
| 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:
- Both areas lean Democratic, so the political climate won't feel foreign.
- Summer highs of 86°F in Illinois versus 104°F in Tempe is a meaningful quality-of-life shift. Less time running your AC, more time outside. That matters if you've spent summers hiding indoors.
- Winter lows of 17°F are not a minor adjustment. If you've only experienced Tempe winters, this will be a genuine shock. Budget for heating costs and winter gear, and take it seriously.
- Rainfall jumps from 9 inches to 40 inches per year. That's a different relationship with weather — more waterproof gear, more gray days, and real rainstorms.
- 22 inches of snow annually means real winters. Beautiful in its way. Also means shoveling, driving in conditions you may never have dealt with, and seasonal maintenance. Plan for it, don't just wish it away.
- Illinois's crime index of 19.7 compared to Tempe's 42.36 generally translates to safer neighborhoods and less ambient stress day to day.
Other considerations when moving to Illinois
Getting the logistics right matters as much as picking the right mover:
- HOA rules: Check your current and new buildings for restrictions on move-in hours, elevator access, or truck size before you schedule anything.
- Elevator reservation: If your new building has an elevator, reserve it in advance. Spots fill fast and many buildings won't let you use it without a reservation on move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for large moving vehicles on residential streets. Check local rules for your destination city before your move date.
- State licensing: Illinois movers operating intrastate need a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify that any company you hire is properly licensed — the ICC's website lets you check.
- Moving permits: Illinois doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking regulations still apply. Confirm what's required in your specific destination city.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Set the forwarding start date to your actual move date and your mail will route correctly from day one.
- Moving insurance: Released Value Protection — the free coverage carriers are required to offer — pays 60 cents per pound. A broken 30-pound TV gets you $18. For anything of real value, ask your mover about full-valuation coverage or look at a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized and make sure nothing slips through in the final stretch.
Things to do in Illinois
Illinois runs deeper than Chicago, though Chicago alone could keep you occupied for years. A few places worth knowing about:
Museums
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports teams
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities
- 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 Tempe to Illinois take?
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.
How many Tempe movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
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.
What is the best way to get a car from Tempe to Illinois?
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.
Why are people moving from Tempe to Illinois?
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.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Tempe?
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.
Do movers in Tempe, AZ accept cash?
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.