Best Illinois to Pennsylvania Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 733 mile IL to PA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 238 Illinois to Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh Moving), 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 Illinois compared to Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
2Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC9.519.53Authorized For Property, HHG
3606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
5A1 Movers, Inc9.349.57Authorized For HHG
6Murphy Family Movers9.309.35Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 733 miles from Illinois to Pennsylvania will cost on average $2,405 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to PA move is roughly $5,768. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,618300 ft³$5.39
1 Bedroom$2,405450 ft³$5.34
2 Bedrooms$3,970750 ft³$5.29
3 Bedrooms$5,7681100 ft³$5.24
4 Bedrooms$8,3101600 ft³$5.19
5+ Bedrooms$9,2581800 ft³$5.14
*Please note: These Illinois to Pennsylvania moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & Pennsylvania. 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 PA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to PA Movers

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,121+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC Logo

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Exceptional9.51/10
based on 664+ data points

Harrisburg, PA, 17120

About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surrounding areas...

Services

  • Local & long-distance moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Labor-only moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3011826 / 59310

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
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 Pennsylvania

Relocating from Illinois to Pennsylvania can be a significant change, so it's essential to have an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation . This comparison aims to provide insight that highlights the pros of Pennsylvania while addressing the cons of Illinois .

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • High taxes
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic in Chicago
  • Flat landscapes
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower taxes
  • Milder winters
  • Less congestion
  • Varied terrains
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Limited public transit
  • Higher utility costs
  • Rainy climate
  • Slightly higher cost of living
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Renowned universities
  • Professional sports teams
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse job market

Moving to Pennsylvania offers a chance to enjoy the state's beautiful and varied landscapes, from the rolling hills of Lancaster County to the stunning vistas in Allegheny National Forest. Unlike Illinois' notorious Chicago traffic jams, Pennsylvania provides a generally more relaxed driving experience, especially in smaller cities like Harrisburg and Scranton. You'll notice a welcomed reprieve from the harsh Midwestern winters as Pennsylvania winters are often milder, allowing for more outdoor activities throughout the year. The varied terrains also open avenues for exploring wonderful neighborhood parks such as Frick Park in Pittsburgh or Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Additionally, the lower tax rates could leave you with extra savings, which might be more wisely spent exploring the local cuisine in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market or dining on the lush banks of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Food Guide

When planning a move, understanding the local culture is crucial, and nothing says culture like food. This guide provides a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Pennsylvania, helping you grasp the culinary scene in your new home.

Illinois
Pennsylvania
Most iconic local food item
Deep Dish Pizza
Philly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dish
Italian Beef
Pork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food item
Chicago-style Hot Dog
Pretzels
Most popular vegan food
Seitan Wings
Mushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Alinea
  • Giordano's
  • Portillo's
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Geno's Steaks
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Pennsylvania, you'll find an array of rich, iconic foods that are deeply embedded in the state's cultural fabric. The Philly Cheesesteak, originating from Philadelphia, is a must-try local food item. Pennsylvania's food scene extends beyond its most famous dish; for instance, the city of Pittsburgh offers an intriguing mix of traditional and modern culinary experiences. For vegan fare, restaurants in neighborhoods like Fishtown in Philadelphia are pushing the boundaries with innovative dishes like the mushroom cheesesteak. Additionally, Pennsylvania's food truck scene, particularly vibrant in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offers a wide variety of cuisines and showcases the state's growing foodie culture.

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Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future home is crucial. Understanding how Illinois and Pennsylvania measure up in key aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle helps make informed decisions. This guide explores these important differences.

Illinois
Pennsylvania
Typical Architecture Style
Prairie School, Chicago School
Colonial, Federal
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to Chicago, Modern Kitchens, Hardwood Floors
Historic Details, Access to Nature, Spacious Backyards

When comparing Illinois and Pennsylvania, you'll find both states offer unique living experiences. Illinois, with a strong emphasis on modern amenities and proximity to bustling Chicago, appeals to those seeking an urban lifestyle. On the other hand, Pennsylvania shines with its rich history, access to beautiful natural landscapes, and a slightly more affordable living cost. Notably, Pennsylvania's architecture features more colonial and federal styles, grounding its homes in a sense of historical Americana, contrasting with Illinois' modernist and architectural innovation leanings. When making a move, consider not only the financial aspects but also the lifestyle and cultural milieu you prefer.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Illinois to Pennsylvania, understanding how the weather differs is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight key climate differences between Illinois and Pennsylvania to help you prepare for the change in your living environment.

Illinois
Pennsylvania
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Floods
Floods, Snowstorms
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/65
85/62
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

35/20
40/25


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

38
42
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

22
38


While both Illinois and Pennsylvania enjoy similar summer temperatures, winters in Pennsylvania tend to be milder but with more snowfall, reflecting the state's more varied topography and proximity to large bodies of water. This increased snowfall can impact your travel plans and require additional preparations for winter driving. Interestingly, Pennsylvania also experiences fewer days of sunshine but maintains a slightly lower humidity level year-round than Illinois. Air quality and top seasonal allergies are similar in both states, primarily affecting residents during spring and fall. Adjusting to these climate differences will be an essential part of your move, so consider how each factor might influence your lifestyle and preparations.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how the financial landscape will shift. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance-related aspects between Illinois and Pennsylvania, providing a clearer view of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and income opportunities.

Illinois
Pennsylvania
Avg. Household Income
$76,708
$71,798
Cost of Living Index
94.25
99.7
State Income Tax
4.95
3.07
Avg. Property Tax
2.16
1.58
Avg. Sales Tax
8.82
6.34
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Services
Finance, Manufacturing, Energy
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Moderate
Moderate
Homelessness
Notable
Notable

While the average household income is slightly higher in Illinois, Pennsylvania holds a slightly lower cost of living index, making it an economically attractive destination for many. Despite the lower income tax rates in Pennsylvania, those moving from Illinois will need to consider the overall tax burden, including property and sales taxes which are lower in Pennsylvania, potentially offsetting the higher income tax in Illinois. The differences in the top industries between the two states could also signify varying job opportunities, depending on your profession. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making an informed decision about relocating.

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Illinois to Pennsylvania, it’s helpful to understand not just the logistics, but who your new neighbors will be. This quick comparison sheds light on the political and religious makeup of the residents between Illinois & Pennsylvania , providing a snapshot of the communities you will be joining.

Illinois
Pennsylvania
Political Make-up
Leans Democratic
Swing State
Local Politics
Democratic stronghold in urban areas
Democratic in urban, Republican in rural
Religion
Christianity<br/>Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago
Christianity<br/>Diocese of Scranton

While both Illinois and Pennsylvania have Christianity as the predominant religion, the way politics play out in each state is considerably different. Illinois generally leans Democratic, particularly in Chicago and other urban centers. In contrast, Pennsylvania's political landscape is more divided, with urban areas leaning towards the Democrats and rural zones often supporting Republicans, making it a key swing state in national elections. This difference highlights the diverse political landscape you will encounter moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate and participate in your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania involves many decisions, and selecting the right school for your family is paramount. To aid you in this vital aspect of your relocation, we've created a comparison tool to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

IllinoisPennsylvania

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Avery Coonley School (Downers Grove)
Lincoln Elementary School (Springfield)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Adlai Stevenson Elementary School (Pittsburgh)
Hill House Passport Academy Charter School (Philadelphia)
Winchester Thurston School (Pittsburgh)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Buffalo Grove Middle School (Buffalo Grove)
Woodlawn Middle School (Long Grove)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Haverford Middle School (Havertown)

Top 3 High School Schools

Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
Julia R. Masterman High School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Lower Merion High School (Ardmore)

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
The Hill School (Pottstown)
The Kiski School (Saltsburg)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District 203 (Northfield)
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (Naperville)
Community High School District 128 (Vernon Hills)
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Wayne)
Lower Merion School District (Ardmore)
Radnor Township School District (Radnor)

In highlighting the educational landscapes of Illinois and Pennsylvania, certain distinctions emerge. For example, the Chicago area in Illinois boasts prestigious institutions at all educational levels, from the University of Chicago Lab School to Northwestern University. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's strong educational showing includes internationally recognized universities such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pennsylvania. Notably, both states offer a mix of acclaimed public and private institutions, illustrating refined choices for relocating families. The top school districts, like New Trier Township in Illinois and Tredyffrin-Easttown in Pennsylvania, reflect highly on the states' commitments to quality education, showcasing exceptional opportunities for students at all levels.

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