Illinois to Tennessee Moving Cost Calculator
Moving from Illinois to Tennessee covers about 494 miles. Most full-service movers charge between $2,230 and $5,870 for a typical 2 to 3 bedroom move. Prices vary based on inventory size, services like packing, and how flexible your moving dates are.
Use the moving cost calculator below to estimate your price based on your home size, services, and timing.
Going the other way? See our moving from Tennessee to Illinois guide.
Illinois to Tennessee cost breakdown by home size
The table below shows estimated moving costs from Illinois to Tennessee across common home sizes and move types. These ranges reflect typical pricing for a 494-mile interstate move.
Most common cost: A typical 2–3 bedroom move from Illinois to Tennessee costs about $2,230 to $5,870 with professional movers.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,060 to $4,240 | $1,170 to $1,860 | $460 to $830 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,230 to $4,540 | $1,360 to $2,130 | $480 to $900 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,320 to $5,870 | $1,570 to $2,540 | $580 to $970 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,060 to $7,130 | $1,810 to $2,810 | $590 to $1,040 |
| 5 bedrooms | $4,240 to $8,510 | $1,920 to $3,360 | $640 to $1,170 |
These prices reflect typical prices for 494-mile moves between Illinois and Tennessee.
Your final cost depends on inventory, services, and date flexibility.
Cost factors when moving from Illinois to Tennessee
- How much you are moving: More rooms and more furniture usually means more labor, more truck space, and a higher total.
- Distance: Longer routes like Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN generally cost more due to mileage and fuel.
- Dates and season: Summer and end-of-month windows often cost more, while flexible spring and fall dates can be cheaper.
- Services: Packing, bulky items, stairs, long carries, and storage can add meaningful cost.
- Move type: Rental trucks (e.g., Penske) can be cheaper but require more work, containers (e.g., U-Pack) can balance price and effort, full-service movers (e.g., Safeway Moving) maximize convenience.
- Pickup and delivery window: tighter windows can cost more than flexible delivery dates.
Get accurate estimates for your move from IL to TN
The fastest way to tighten your budget is to compare multiple quotes and make sure each mover is pricing the same scope of work.
- Get a walkthrough: In-home or virtual surveys help avoid missed items and surprise charges.
- Ask for a binding estimate: This reduces the risk of price increases after weigh-in.
- Compare at least three quotes: Look for consistent line items, not just the lowest total.
- Confirm fees: Ask about stairs, long carries, elevators, shuttle service, and packing materials.
- Verify timing: Get pickup and delivery windows in writing.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in Illinois .
Best movers for Illinois to Tennessee
To get the most accurate price for this route, compare a few full-service, interstate moving companies and DIY options before booking. Get at least 3 quotes and always verify the mover's USDOT number (FMCSA) before you book.
For your Illinois to Tennessee move, here are our top picks based on pricing reliability, flexibility, and overall value.
- Best full-service mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: U-Pack
- Best rental truck: Penske
Living in Illinois vs. Tennessee
Every state is different, from cost of living to weather. Here are a few useful comparisons to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | Illinois | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $1,047 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $64,035 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Weather
| Metric | Illinois | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 86ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 5" |
Demographics
| Metric | Illinois | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 7,126,489 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 64-36 |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 29.24 |
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Tennessee?
Some of the benefits of moving from Illinois to Tennessee include:
- Abundant recreational opportunities
- No income taxes
- Legendary music scene
- Natural beauty and parks galore
- Delicious southern comfort food
Who regulates interstate moves out of Illinois?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of Illinois.
The FMCSA also requires moving companies to register through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Tennessee?
The worst time to move to Tennessee is during the summer months, when demand is highest and costs are often higher.
How far in advance should I book movers from Illinois to Tennessee?
Most people book between three and six months ahead, especially for summer moves.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from Illinois to Tennessee?
Yes. A virtual or in-home walkthrough helps movers quote more accurately and reduces surprise fees.
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Tennessee?
Renting a moving truck and doing the work yourself is usually the cheapest option, but it requires the most effort.
What should you do when you arrive in Tennessee?
Here are a few high-impact tasks to handle early:
- Forward your mail and update your address with banks, insurance, and tax agencies.
- Set up utilities in Tennessee including internet, electricity, water, and gas.
- Improve security by changing locks and testing smoke detectors.
- Register your car and update your driver’s license with the Tennessee DMV.
- Start exploring your neighborhood and meeting people.