Moving to Illinois: costs, checklist and what to know
Illinois at a glance for movers: Midwest region · largest city Chicago · capital Springfield · Central time.
Quick facts for moving to Illinois
- Income tax: Illinois taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Illinois Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Illinois's statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%. State rate; local taxes add more. From January 1, 2026, municipalities and counties may impose an optional 1% grocery tax.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Illinois driver's license within 90 days, according to the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago (about 710 road miles) runs roughly $1,120–$2,160 with a rental truck or $2,540–$5,860 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Illinois
- Illinois has a flat state income tax set by its constitution, and its property taxes are among the highest in the country.
- Licenses, IDs and vehicle registration are handled by the Illinois Secretary of State, not a DMV.
- In Chicago, plan legal parking for the moving truck ahead of time; many streets need temporary no-parking signs from the city.
Main cities and metros include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield. Illinois borders Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana.
How much does it cost to move to Illinois?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Chicago, the largest city in Illinois. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 850 | $1,270–$2,420 | $2,760–$6,360 |
| Los Angeles | 2,090 | $3,000–$5,660 | $4,740–$10,820 |
| Dallas | 970 | $1,540–$2,950 | $2,950–$6,790 |
| Atlanta | 710 | $1,120–$2,160 | $2,540–$5,860 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Illinois moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Illinois
May through October. Chicago winters bring snow, ice and wind chill, and downtown high-rises book freight elevators early in summer.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Illinois new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Illinois: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Illinois?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 710 miles from Atlanta to Chicago costs roughly $1,120–$2,160 if you rent a truck or $2,540–$5,860 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?
Yes. Illinois taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Illinois Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Illinois?
Illinois's statewide sales tax rate is 6.25%. State rate; local taxes add more. From January 1, 2026, municipalities and counties may impose an optional 1% grocery tax.
How long do I have to get a Illinois driver's license after moving?
90 days, according to the Illinois Secretary of State. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Illinois?
May through October. Chicago winters bring snow, ice and wind chill, and downtown high-rises book freight elevators early in summer.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Secretary of State, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.