Best Alabama to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Alabama to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 741 mile AL to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 154 Alabama to Illinois moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is MoveDaddy), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Alabama compared to Illinois. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Alabama to Illinois Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | License | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MoveDaddy | 9.39 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG |
2 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.37 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
3 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG |
4 | New Latitude Movers | 9.28 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG |
5 | Black Tie Moving | 9.26 | 8.98 | Authorized For HHG |
6 | Pink Zebra Moving | 9.21 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Alabama to Illinois?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 741 miles from Alabama to Illinois will cost on average $2,411 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom AL to IL move is roughly $5,784. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Alabama and dropoff in Illinois as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Alabama to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,623 | 300 ft³ | $5.41 |
1 Bedroom | $2,411 | 450 ft³ | $5.36 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,981 | 750 ft³ | $5.31 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,784 | 1100 ft³ | $5.26 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,334 | 1600 ft³ | $5.21 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,285 | 1800 ft³ | $5.16 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Alabama guide.

Popular Alabama to Illinois Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Alabama to Illinois
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Alabama to Illinois Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best AL to IL Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

MoveDaddy
3114 Bellwood Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35243
About MoveDaddy
Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor only, apartment...
Services
- Long Distance moving
- Local moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2521318 / 875746 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 12 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2022) |

606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |

Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
Registered Drivers | 28 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |

New Latitude Movers
130 Industrial Dr
Birmingham, AL, 35211
About New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving company,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Storage Facilities
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2179652 / 765956 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 57 |
Registered Drivers | 54 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 450,000 (2022) |

Black Tie Moving
4411 Evangel Cir NW Suite A
Huntsville, AL, 35816
About Black Tie Moving
Founded in 2013, Black Tie Moving has grown into a luxury moving franchise that boasts an A+ BBB rating and mentions...
Services
- Local relocation
- Nationwide moving services
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3381623 / 1375777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 9 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |

Pink Zebra Moving
630 Oliver Rd b
Montgomery, AL, 36117
About Pink Zebra Moving
Pink Zebra Moving is a service company that revolutionizes the moving industry. They strive to provide a luxurious, stress-free moving experience,...
Services
- Home Moving Services
- Apartment/Condo/Townhome Moving Services
- Furniture Rearranging Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3976058 / 1487303 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Illinois
When considering a move, it's crucial to weigh the positives and negatives to make a well-informed decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of relocating from Alabama to Illinois , highlighting both the challenges and advantages of such a transition.
- Hot summers
- Limited public transit
- Lower employment opportunities
- Higher humidity
- Cooler summers
- Extensive transit networks
- More job prospects
- Less humidity
- Less friendly demeanor
- Higher living costs
- Harsh winters
- Urban congestion
- Southern hospitality
- Lower living costs
- Mild winters
- Rich cultural heritage
Relocating from Alabama to Illinois introduces a transformation in lifestyle and opportunity. While Alabama offers the charm of Southern hospitality and a lower cost of living, Illinois presents expanded employment prospects, especially in bustling Chicago. You might find yourself enjoying a stroll in Millennium Park or exploring the vibrant culinary scene in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Lincoln Square. However, brace for harsher winters but also embrace cooler summer temperatures. Each state has its distinct appeal, and your individual priorities will shape whether the move is right for you.
Alabama vs. Illinois Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Alabama and Illinois, showing that food is a vital part of local culture and living experience. Understanding the culinary scene can better prepare you for the move to your new home.
- Dreamland BBQ
- Highlands Bar and Grill
- Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
- Lou Malnati's
- Au Cheval
- Portillo's
Upon relocating from Alabama to Illinois, you'll transition from a culinary landscape dominated by rich, hearty Southern cuisine to one that embraces both iconic dishes and modern flavors. Chicago, Illinois, stands out for its vibrant food scene, particularly in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and The Loop, where you can savor the legendary Chicago-style deep dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's. The city's appreciation for diverse, international flavors also means a growing number of vegan and vegetarian options, making it easier than ever to find plant-based versions of comfort food classics like the deep dish pizza. While the barbecue and Southern comfort foods of Alabama will always hold a special place in your palate, Illinois’ dynamic food scene is sure to offer new and exciting flavors to call your new comfort food.

Ready to start your move?
Alabama vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, assessing real estate differences between Alabama and Illinois is critical. This comparison highlights key housing aspects to help you make an informed decision. Understanding the cost, architecture, and lifestyle offered by each state ensures your move aligns with your needs and preferences.
Understanding the key differences in housing between Alabama and Illinois can significantly impact your relocation experience. In Alabama, the housing market tends to be more affordable, with a median home price significantly lower than in Illinois. The architecture styles also differ, reflective of the historical and cultural influences in each state - with Alabama homes often showcasing Antebellum and Craftsman styles, while Illinois offers Prairie School and Chicago-style architecture, many of which can be seen in buildings preserved in areas like Oak Park or the city of Chicago itself. Illinois, particularly in urban areas such as Chicago, scores higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, attributes increasingly important for those who prioritize accessibility and a vibrant city life. This contrast in lifestyle preferences is also evident in the features highlighted in real estate listings, with Alabama properties often boasting large yards, and Illinois listings emphasizing proximity to public transportation and energy-efficient features.
Alabama vs. Illinois Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Alabama to Illinois, it's crucial to compare the weather conditions you'll encounter. Understanding how Alabama's climate contrasts with Illinois's weather can help you prepare for the changes. This guide aims to provide a straightforward comparison to ease your transition.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
When moving from Alabama to Illinois, you'll find significant differences in the seasonal weather patterns and natural disaster risks. While both states experience tornadoes, Illinois faces severe winter storms, a stark contrast to Alabama's mild winters. Moreover, the transition might involve adjusting to fewer days of sunshine and more snow in Illinois, which averages about 22 inches of annual snowfall compared to Alabama's minimal snow. Understanding these variations will help you prepare adequately for your new climate — from wardrobe changes to potential weather-related challenges in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Alabama to Illinois
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial landscape in your new home, such as moving from Alabama to Illinois, will compare to what you're used to. This comparison will help you plan and prepare for your financial future in a new state.
When moving from Alabama to Illinois, you'll notice variations in the financial aspects of daily living. Illinois boasts a significantly higher average household income, which may be enticing, but it's also accompanied by a higher cost of living and significantly higher property taxes. The state income tax in Illinois is a flat rate, contrasting with Alabama's progressive tax system. Despite these differences, both states share moderate levels of homelessness. The adjustment from Alabama to Illinois will involve adapting to these financial changes, particularly the weight of property taxes and the overall cost of living.
Alabama vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison
As you consider moving from Alabama to Illinois, this snapshot highlights the comparison of the politics and religious makeup of both states to give you a quick, at-a-glance understanding of the typical population characteristics you'll encounter in your new home.
When moving from Alabama, a state that leans Republican and has a strong Protestant Christian presence, to Illinois, known for its Democratic-leaning population and more progressive policies, you will experience a cultural and political shift. This difference is particularly noticeable in local politics where Alabama's conservative stance contrasts with Illinois's more liberal approach to governance and social issues. Furthermore, Illinois offers a wider array of religious diversity and a slightly higher percentage of non-religious residents, reflecting its more urban and cosmopolitan population makeup.
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Illinois
The purpose of this comparison is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from Alabama to Illinois. We'll explore the differences in school quality, from primary to secondary education, to help you make the most informed decision for your family.
Alabama | Illinois |
---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Northwestern University University of Chicago | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Heritage Oak School Tuscaloosa; Rock Quarry Elementary Tuscaloosa; Greystone Elementary HooverLincoln Elementary School River Forest; South Park Elementary Deerfield; Willowbrook Elementary Glenview | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mountain Brook Junior High Mountain Brook; Liberty Park Middle Vestavia Hills; Berry Middle HooverMaple School Northbrook; Daniel Wright Junior High Lincolnshire; Clarendon Hills Middle School Clarendon Hills | |
Top 3 High School Schools Loveless Academic Magnet Program High Montgomery; Mountain Brook High Mountain Brook; Homewood High HomewoodIllinois Mathematics and Science Academy Aurora; Northside College Preparatory High Chicago; Payton College Preparatory High Chicago | |
Top 3 private high schools The Altamont School Birmingham; Randolph School Huntsville; Indian Springs School Indian SpringsUniversity of Chicago Lab School Chicago; Latin School of Chicago Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Indian Springs School Indian Springs; The Altamont School Birmingham; Randolph School HuntsvilleUniversity of Chicago Lab School Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago; Latin School of Chicago Chicago | |
Top 3 School Districts Mountain Brook City Schools Hoover City Schools Vestavia Hills City SchoolsNew Trier Township High School District 203 Niles Township High School District 219 Evanston Township High School District 202 |
When comparing Alabama and Illinois regarding educational opportunities, you'll notice distinctive differences, especially in top-ranking establishments. For example, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University in Illinois are known for their rigorous academics and worldwide reputation, which could provide significant advantages for college-bound seniors from Illinois. In the realm of secondary education, Illinois boasts several highly acclaimed private institutions such as the University of Chicago Lab School and Latin School of Chicago, known for their comprehensive K-12 programs. Meanwhile, Alabama hosts remarkable schools like The Altamont School and the Indian Springs School, which also offer excellent education but with a more localized prestige. For families valuing top-tier education, both states offer reputable districts and schools, each with unique strengths.



Additional Resources
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