Best New Jersey to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from New Jersey to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 893 mile NJ to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 251 New Jersey 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 Big G Movers, INC), 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 New Jersey 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.

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Best New Jersey to Illinois Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Big G Movers, INC9.549.6Authorized For HHG
2Cimply Labor, LLC9.399.6Authorized For HHG
3606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
5All Brunswick Moving & Storage9.318.79Authorized For Property
6UMEX Moving & Storage9.289.23Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from New Jersey to Illinois?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 893 miles from New Jersey to Illinois will cost on average $2,541 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NJ to IL move is roughly $6,100. 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,709300 ft³$5.70
1 Bedroom$2,541450 ft³$5.65
2 Bedrooms$4,197750 ft³$5.60
3 Bedrooms$6,1001100 ft³$5.55
4 Bedrooms$8,7931600 ft³$5.50
5+ Bedrooms$9,8021800 ft³$5.45
*Please note: These New Jersey to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New Jersey & Illinois. 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 NJ to IL mover.
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Compare the 6 Best NJ to IL Movers

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

Big G Movers, INC Logo

Big G Movers, INC

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,415+ data points

26 Oliver St Suite 001

Metuchen, NJ, 08840

About Big G Movers, INC

Located in Metuchen, Big G Movers is one of the top-rated hometown movers in New Jersey. This family-owned and operated business...

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • East Coast Long Distance Moving
  • Office & Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2358159 / 807903

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved19,500 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Cimply Labor, LLC Logo

Cimply Labor, LLC

Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,073+ data points

117 New Jersey 35 Stes 6, 7 & 8

Keyport, NJ, 07735

About Cimply Labor, LLC

Cimply Labor, LLC is a moving company based in New Jersey that aims to make the moving process simple and easy...

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

2988167 / 68577

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (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
All Brunswick Moving & Storage Logo

All Brunswick Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 853+ data points

182k Ridge Rd

Dayton, NJ, 08810

About All Brunswick Moving & Storage

All Brunswick Moving & Storage is a full-service moving company in Dayton that has been serving customers throughout the state of...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Corporate Relocation
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

866526 / 97183

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
UMEX Moving & Storage Logo

UMEX Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.28/10
based on 669+ data points

55 Madison Ave Suite 400

Morristown, NJ, 7960

About UMEX Moving & Storage

UMEX Moving & Storage services Morris, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties with safe and efficient relocations. Its staff members are experts...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Local moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

686881 / 305175

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved172,000 (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 New Jersey to Illinois

Embarking on a move from New Jersey to Illinois requires understanding both the advantages and potential drawbacks of this transition. Our comparison provides an insightful peek into the aspects you might love or dislike in this relocation, helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High living costs
  • Traffic congestion
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited open spaces
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower cost of living
  • Improved public transit
  • Slightly milder winters
  • Access to parks and lakes
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Farther from east coast
  • Landlocked state
  • Lesser cultural diversity
  • Varied education quality
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Close to NYC
  • Beautiful shorelines
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Thriving education system

Moving from New Jersey to Illinois presents several intriguing differences. While you may miss the proximity to New York City, Illinois offers its own urban charm with cities like Chicago, rich with renowned restaurants and vibrant districts such as the Magnificent Mile. Embrace the state's natural beauty with frequent trips to the lush Grant Park or serene Lake Michigan, which are easily accessible. Cost-wise, you'll likely appreciate a more budget-friendly lifestyle in Illinois, even as you adjust to the unique Midwestern winters that may be gentler than those you left behind in New Jersey. The local community scene differs, yet it brings new opportunities to explore diverse suburban towns and engage with friendly folks across this welcoming state.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food is an essential piece of local culture, impacting what life is like in a given area. In this guide, we delve into the comparison of the local cuisine between New Jersey & Illinois, providing insights into what culinary delights await you upon your move.

New Jersey
Illinois
Most iconic local food item
Pork Roll
Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dish
Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
Italian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Salt Water Taffy
Chicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Sloppy Joes
Chicago Diner's Vegan Shake
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Diner 24
  • Big Apple
  • Beachside Shack
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Al's Beef
  • The Chicago Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from New Jersey to Illinois, you'll find yourself transitioning from the saltwater taffy of Jersey Shore to the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. For meat lovers, a Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich in New Jersey transforms into the juicy Italian Beef Sandwich found in many Chicago eateries. Illinois also boasts a vibrant vegan scene, with places like The Chicago Diner offering legendary vegan shakes. Food trucks are aplenty in both states, but Illinois, especially Chicago, edges ahead with a more dynamic foodie scene — underscored by a higher rating in vegan friendliness and a plethora of iconic restaurants, including the famed Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.

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New Jersey vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect of relocating. Understanding how New Jersey and Illinois compare in terms of housing—cost, architecture, and lifestyle—can significantly impact your moving decision.

New Jersey
Illinois
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Victorian
Prairie, Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to NYC, Spacious backyards
Access to parks, Open floor plans

In comparing New Jersey and Illinois, notable differences arise particularly in housing affordability and style. New Jersey's proximity to New York City elevates median home prices and rent, making Illinois a more budget-friendly option for many. Illinois homes tend to feature open floor plans, a reflection of the state's Prairie and Craftsman architectural influences, offering a distinct aesthetic and spacious living experience unlike New Jersey's Colonial and Victorian styles. Furthermore, Illinois slightly outperforms New Jersey in terms of walkability and bikeability, suggesting a more accommodating environment for those who prefer non-vehicular modes of transportation. The urban lifestyle, slightly more pronounced in New Jersey, reflects its denser living conditions and closer ties to NYC’s vibrant city life.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another brings many changes, but understanding how the weather compares between New Jersey and Illinois is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare for your new environment.

New Jersey
Illinois
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Winter Storms
Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms
Air Quality
Moderate
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/66
85/65
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

40/25
35/22


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

47
39
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

23
22


When you move from New Jersey to Illinois, you'll notice both similarities and differences in the weather. Both states enjoy similar summer temperatures, but Illinois tends to have slightly colder winters. Illinois also experiences fewer days of sunshine throughout the year, which can impact your daily activities and mood. Another significant difference is in the kinds of natural disasters each state typically faces; Illinois is more prone to tornadoes, while New Jersey experiences hurricanes and winter storms. These factors are essential to consider as you prepare for your relocation, allowing you to adjust more smoothly to your new environment.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, grasping the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences you'll encounter moving between New Jersey and Illinois , focusing on money and finance . Understanding these aspects will help you adjust your budget and financial planning accordingly.

New Jersey
Illinois
Avg. Household Income
$96,346
$76,708
Cost of Living Index
129.7
94.25
State Income Tax
1.4% - 10.75%
4.95% flat
Avg. Property Tax
2.44%
2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax
6.6%
6.25%
Top 3 Industries
Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Services
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Moderate
Homelessness
Moderate
Moderate to High

Comparing the financial and economic landscapes of New Jersey and Illinois reveals significant differences. For instance, while the average household income is higher in New Jersey, this is counterbalanced by a much higher cost of living and property taxes, making Illinois more financially attractive on the surface. However, it's essential to consider state income tax structures; New Jersey employs a progressive tax, whereas Illinois uses a flat tax rate. The predominant industries also differ markedly between the two, which could impact job opportunities depending on your field. Understanding these nuances is key to a smooth financial transition.

New Jersey vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

If you're considering relocating from New Jersey to Illinois, understanding the comparison of the politics between New Jersey & Illinois along with the religious landscape can offer valuable insights into the communities you're moving between. This quick overview provides a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of both states.

New Jersey
Illinois
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Diverse, with strong Democratic cities
Mix of Democratic urban centers and Republican rural areas
Religion
Catholic, Protestant
Catholic, Protestant, increasingly diverse

In both New Jersey and Illinois, the political landscape leans Democratic, particularly in major cities like New Jersey's Newark and Illinois' Chicago. However, Illinois tends to have a more pronounced divide between urban Democratic strongholds and more Republican-leaning rural areas. Religion plays a significant role in community life, with both states having a solid base of Catholic and Protestant residents. Illinois, however, is witnessing a more rapid diversification of faiths. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate into your new home, recognizing the blend of political and religious perspectives that shape local communities.

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

Moving from New Jersey to Illinois involves many adjustments, with education being a significant one. To ease this transition, it's helpful to understand the educational landscape across both states . This comparison aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in New Jersey and Illinois .

New JerseyIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Purnell School
Blairstown
Hilltop Country Day School
Sparta
The Peck School
Morristown
Lincoln Elementary School
River Forest
Avery Coonley School
Downers Grove
South Park Elementary School
Deerfield

Top 3 Middle Schools

Princeton Charter School
Princeton
Millburn Middle School
Millburn
Thomas Grover Middle School
West Windsor
Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove

Top 3 High School Schools

High Technology High School
Lincroft
Biotechnology High School
Freehold
Bergen County Academies
Hackensack
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago

Top 3 private high schools

The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville
The Pingry School
Basking Ridge
Delbarton School
Morristown
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Princeton Day School
Princeton
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
Edison
Moorestown Friends School
Moorestown
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago

Top 3 School Districts

Millburn Township School District
Millburn
Princeton Public Schools
Princeton
Summit Public Schools
Summit
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Glenbrook High Schools District 225
Glenview
Northfield Township High School District 225
Northfield

Exploring the top educational institutions in New Jersey and Illinois reveals notable differences and remarkable strengths in each state's educational system. In New Jersey, institutions like High Technology High School and The Lawrenceville School stand out for their high academic standards and innovative programs. Illinois, on the other hand, boasts prestigious establishments such as the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and the University of Chicago Lab School, highlighting a strong emphasis on STEM education and college preparatory curricula. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision based on your educational priorities and your child's needs and aspirations.

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