Best Illinois to Michigan Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Michigan and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 406 mile IL to MI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 181 Illinois to Michigan 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 Pro-Low Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Michigan. 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.

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Best Illinois to Michigan Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pro-Low Moving9.699.73Authorized For HHG
2606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
4A1 Movers, Inc9.349.57Authorized For HHG
5Murphy Family Movers9.309.35Authorized For Property, HHG
6Handle With Care Moving & Delivery 9.078.91Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Illinois to Michigan?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 406 miles from Illinois to Michigan will cost on average $2,126 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to MI move is roughly $5,088. 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 Illinois and dropoff in Michigan 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 Illinois to Michigan movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,433300 ft³$4.78
1 Bedroom$2,126450 ft³$4.73
2 Bedrooms$3,507750 ft³$4.68
3 Bedrooms$5,0881100 ft³$4.63
4 Bedrooms$7,3211600 ft³$4.58
5+ Bedrooms$8,1461800 ft³$4.53
*Please note: These Illinois to Michigan moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Michigan. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to MI mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to MI Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pro-Low Moving Logo

Pro-Low Moving

Exceptional9.69/10
based on 1,140+ data points

665 136th Ave

Holland, MI, 49424

About Pro-Low Moving

Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3508434 / 1160481

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved105,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,042+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 13,660+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
3
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 683+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Murphy Family Movers Logo

Murphy Family Movers

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 1,145+ data points

4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C

St. Charles, IL, 60175

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  Logo

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 822+ data points

4260 Varsity Dr

Ann Arbor, MI, 48108

About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

808976 / 359936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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 Illinois to Michigan

When deciding to relocate, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of the transition. Here's an honest reflection of both the good and the bad aspects of moving from Illinois to Michigan . This comparison will help you understand what unique attributes each state offers, making your decision more informed.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • High taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Expensive housing
  • Crowded cities
  • Flat landscapes
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Lower taxes
  • Less traffic
  • Affordable housing
  • Spacious living
  • Scenic nature
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Fewer job options
  • Less sports scene
  • Limited cuisine
  • Less historical depth
  • Car dependent
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Job opportunities
  • Sports culture
  • Diverse food scene
  • Rich history
  • Public transport

Making the move from Illinois to Michigan brings with it a transition to the expansive views and natural beauty of places like Sleeping Bear Dunes and the lush greenery of Ann Arbor's parks. While you might miss the culinary diversity of Chicago or the historical charm of Springfield, Michigan offers its own treasures such as the vibrant arts scene in Detroit and the calming waters of Lake Michigan. The relaxed pace and lower cost of living in areas like Grand Rapids contrast with Illinois' more hectic, expensive lifestyle. Enjoying a stroll through Frederick Meijer Gardens or spending a day in Traverse City, you'll find that trading city lights for Michigan’s serene lakeside towns might be a change worth embracing.

Illinois vs. Michigan Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Michigan, highlighting how food plays a crucial role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of an area. Drawing insights into the food scene of both states will ensure you're well-informed before making your move.

Illinois
Michigan
Most iconic local food item
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Detroit-style Pizza
Most popular meat dish
Italian Beef
Pasties
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Coney Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Seitan
Tempeh
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Bell's Eccentric Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, especially in Chicago, the deep dish pizza at places like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a must-try, representing a cornerstone of the city's culinary identity. Similarly, Michigan offers its unique twist on pizza with the Detroit-style pizza, found in many local establishments. For a taste of Michigan's local cuisine, Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor is highly recommended, offering a variety of local dishes with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients. Whether you're craving the savory Italian beef and loaded hot dogs of Illinois or the comforting pasties and Coney dogs of Michigan, each state offers rich and diverse dining experiences that reflect their unique food scenes.

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Illinois vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering relocating, understanding the real estate market is pivotal in making an informed decision. This comparison between Illinois and Michigan aims to provide a snapshot of each state's housing scene, focusing on cost, architecture, and lifestyle measures to better guide your move.

Illinois
Michigan
Typical Architecture Style
Prairie School
Bungalow and Ranch
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Hardwood floors, Stainless steel appliances
Lakefront, Garage

While both states offer unique attributes to prospective homeowners or renters, each has its distinctive flair. Illinois, with its slightly higher living costs, boasts the Prairie School architecture prominent in cities like Chicago, reflecting a rich historical tapestry. Conversely, Michigan presents a more affordable housing market coupled with the charm of bungalow and ranch-style homes, often located within proximity to the state's abundant lakes and natural beauty. The urban lifestyle in Illinois is noted to be more vibrant, partly due to the higher walkability and bikeability scores in major cities, which could appeal to those seeking a busy city life. On the other hand, Michigan's appeal lies in its serene landscapes and access to outdoor recreational activities, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter but engaging lifestyle.

Illinois vs. Michigan Weather Considerations

If you're planning a big move, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. Moving from Illinois to Michigan presents variations in climate that could impact your daily life. By comparing weather patterns, you can better prepare for your new environment.

Illinois
Michigan
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornados, storms
Snowstorms, some tornados
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/65
81/59
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35/18
31/17


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

39
32
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

22
60


When moving from Illinois to Michigan, you can expect cooler summers and harsher winters in Michigan, highlighting a need for a more versatile wardrobe. Michigan's greater annual snowfall, averaging about 60 inches, suggests a readiness for snow removal and winter driving conditions. Despite similar air quality levels, the higher average humidity in Michigan, combined with the prevalent pollen, could impact those with allergies differently. The adjustment to fewer sunny days might also be noticeable, truly bringing the seasons to life in your new Michigan home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Michigan

When planning your move from Illinois to Michigan, it's crucial to grasp how your expenses might shift. This comparison delves into the financial aspects that influence your daily life, from taxes to the cost of living, ensuring you're well-prepared for this transition.

Illinois
Michigan
Avg. Household Income
$76,708
$66,986
Cost of Living Index
94.25
91.2
State Income Tax
4.95
4.25
Avg. Property Tax
2.16
1.54
Avg. Sales Tax
8.8
6.0
Top 3 Industries
Trade, Transportation, Utilities
Manufacturing, Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, Utilities
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate to High
Poverty
Noticeable
Noticeable
Homelessness
Concerning
Moderate

When comparing the financial landscapes of Illinois and Michigan, a few points stand out. The average household income in Illinois is higher, which might relate to its slightly higher cost of living index. However, Michigan's overall lower taxes, including state income and sales taxes, can contribute to a more affordable living situation for many. It’s also worth noting that while both states face issues with poverty and homelessness, these challenges manifest differently across locales. Taking a closer look at the predominant industries can also provide insights on job opportunities that align with your career path as you make your move.

Illinois vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Illinois to Michigan, it's useful to get a quick glimpse into the communities you're about to join. This comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Michigan . Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural landscape you're moving into.

Illinois
Michigan
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Swing State
Local Politics
Moderate to liberal urban areas
Mixed, with liberal cities and conservative rural areas
Religion
Christian, Non-religious, Jewish, Muslim
Christian, Non-religious, smaller Jewish and Muslim communities

In both Illinois and Michigan, the political and religious landscapes are diverse, shaping the local cultures in unique ways. Illinois often leans Democratic, especially in its urban centers like Chicago, which influences local policies and community projects. Michigan, as a swing state, showcases a vibrant mix of political views, with liberal cities such as Ann Arbor and conservative rural areas adding to the state's diverse dialogue. On the religious front, both states share a predominance of Christian and non-religious residents, but Illinois typically presents a slightly more varied religious makeup with its larger Jewish and Muslim communities. Understanding these dynamics can significantly enhance your adjustment process as you move.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Michigan

Moving from Illinois to Michigan brings about many changes, but perhaps none so important as the adjustments in educational opportunities for you and your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Michigan , ensuring you make the best decision for your educational needs.

IllinoisMichigan

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Chicago; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; River Woods Elementary School
Naperville
Bates Academy
Detroit; Wealthy Elementary School
East Grand Rapids; Spring Lake Intermediate School
Spring Lake

Top 3 Middle Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle; Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Boulan Park Middle School
Troy; Mill Creek Middle School
Dexter; East Middle School
Grand Blanc

Top 3 High Schools

Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
International Academy
Bloomfield Hills; City High Middle School
Grand Rapids; Troy High School
Troy

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; Elgin Academy
Elgin; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Cranbrook Kingswood School
Bloomfield Hills; Roeper School
Birmingham; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District
Northfield; Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills; Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
East Grand Rapids; Bloomfield Hills Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Okemos Public Schools
Okemos

Both Illinois and Michigan boast strong educational infrastructures, but with nuanced differences that could significantly impact your decision. For instance, Illinois is home to high-caliber institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, which are popular among the state’s high school seniors. In contrast, Michigan's top choices include the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, emphasizing a strong local preference. When it comes to K-12 education, both states offer exceptional public and private schools. Illinois’ Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills Schools are often cited for their excellence, reflecting their investment in quality education. Making a move between these states requires a careful evaluation of these educational landscapes to ensure the best fit for your family's needs and aspirations.

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