Best Tennessee to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Tennessee to Illinois and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 511 mile TN to IL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 187 Tennessee 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 Alpha Moving & Storage LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Illinois Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | License | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alpha Moving & Storage LLC | 9.41 | 9.29 | 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 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
5 | Rice's Professional Moving Service | 9.29 | 9.61 | Authorized For Property |
6 | Two Men And A Truck | 9.14 | 8.43 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Tennessee to Illinois?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 511 miles from Tennessee to Illinois will cost on average $2,216 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom TN to IL move is roughly $5,306. 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Illinois movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,492 | 300 ft³ | $4.97 |
1 Bedroom | $2,216 | 450 ft³ | $4.92 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,655 | 750 ft³ | $4.87 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,306 | 1100 ft³ | $4.82 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,638 | 1600 ft³ | $4.77 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,503 | 1800 ft³ | $4.72 |


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

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

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
605 Providence Blvd
Clarksville, TN, 37042
About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC
You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Short-Term Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3378094 / 1193307 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (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) |

Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |

Rice's Professional Moving Service
221 Dorothy Jordan Ave
Gallatin, TN, 37066
About Rice's Professional Moving Service
Rice's Professional Moving Services is a locally-owned, licensed, and insured full-service moving company that customizes each move to accommodate clients' specific...
Services
- Residential Move
- Local Move
- Commercial Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3941233 / 1463771 Authorized For Property Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 2,500 (2022) |

Two Men And A Truck
Cookeville, TN, 38501
About Two Men And A Truck
With more than 35 years in the business, "Two Men And A Truck" is a national moving company known for its...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1108883 / 483210 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 25 |
Registered Drivers | 20 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 385,784 (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 Tennessee to Illinois
When moving from Tennessee to Illinois, it's important to have an honest look at the shift to understand the challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide a bold reflection of the pros and cons of moving from Tennessee to Illinois to help you make an informed decision.
- Humidity
- Tornado risk
- Limited public transport
- Hot summers
- Rural isolation
- Less humid
- Lower tornado threat
- Extensive public transport
- Milder summers
- Urban convenience
- State income tax
- Higher living expenses
- Cold, snowy winters
- Harsh urban attitude
- Dense urban areas
- No state income tax
- Lower cost of living
- Warm winters
- Friendly locals
- Natural landscapes
Moving from Tennessee's rustic charm to the bustling cities of Illinois, like Chicago, offers a mix of different experiences. While you might miss Tennessee’s warm winters, the vibrant culture of Illinois with places like Millennium Park and Navy Pier could quickly win you over. The extensive public transport in Chicago makes it easier to explore without a car, unlike the rural isolation of Tennessee. If you're passionate about trying new cuisines, Illinois' diverse restaurant scene could be a delightful change. Though the cost of living is higher in Illinois, the rewards include a plethora of urban conveniences and cultural opportunities.
Tennessee vs. Illinois Food Guide
Food is an integral aspect of understanding local culture and gauging what living in an area might be like. That's why we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between Tennessee & Illinois , providing you with a clearer picture of the culinary scenes you're about to explore. This insight will help you get a taste—quite literally—of your new home.
- The Loveless Cafe
- Arnold's Country Kitchen
- Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
- Portillo's
- Alinea
While Tennessee is celebrated for its smoky barbecue ribs and fiery hot chicken, stirring the hearts of meat lovers, Illinois responds with its legendary Chicago-style deep dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches, commanding its own culinary prestige. For those leaning towards plant-based diets, both states offer enticing vegan versions of their classic dishes, like BBQ Jackfruit in Tennessee and a Vegan Deep Dish Pizza in Illinois. Pathing through the vibrant neighborhoods of Nashville or Chicago, you'll uncover an array of food trucks and street food that showcase the rich culinary diversity. Venture to establishments like The Loveless Cafe in Tennessee or Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Illinois for a taste of local flavor that epitomizes the state's food scene.

Ready to start your move?
Tennessee vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate market between Tennessee and Illinois is crucial for making an informed decision. The purpose of this comparison is to provide insights into housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you understand how these states align with your living preferences.
Moving from Tennessee to Illinois, you'll notice differences in the housing market. Tennessee homes often highlight spacious backyards and enchanting mountain views, indicative of its scenic landscape. Illinois, particularly closer to Chicago, offers unique Prairie Style homes and the famous Chicago Bungalows, with real estate listings frequently boasting about lake views or proximity to the bustling city life of Chicago. These architectural and lifestyle contrasts, along with the slightly higher median monthly rent in Illinois, reflect the diverse living experiences between these two states, catering to varying preferences and necessities.
Tennessee vs. Illinois Weather Considerations
If you're planning a move, understanding how the weather in your new location compares to what you're used to is essential. This comparison between Tennessee and Illinois will highlight key differences and similarities in their weather patterns to help you prepare for your relocation.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Moving from Tennessee to Illinois, you'll notice some distinct changes in the climate throughout the year. Illinois experiences a cooler winter with more snowfall, averaging 22 inches compared to Tennessee's lighter 5 inches. However, both states enjoy a relatively similar number of sunshine days, though Tennessee boasts a slight edge. Summer temperatures are fairly comparable, though Tennessee summers can be a bit warmer. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for seasonal changes and activities in Illinois, whether that means investing in warmer winter wear or preparing for a slightly higher chance of snowy days.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tennessee to Illinois
If you're considering a move from Tennessee to Illinois, it's essential to compare the cost of living impacts in both states. Understanding key financial differences, from Avg Household Income to State Income Tax , enables you to plan effectively for your relocation to either Tennessee or Illinois .
Moving from Tennessee to Illinois involves adjusting to a higher cost of living, as indicated by Illinois' cost of living index being 95, compared to Tennessee's 87. Although the average household income is higher in Illinois, the state income tax rate of 4.95% is a factor to consider, given Tennessee's absence of such a tax. Additionally, property taxes in Illinois are significantly higher, which can impact homeownership costs. Despite these financial challenges, Illinois offers a diverse economy with robust industries like finance and transportation, providing ample employment opportunities.
Tennessee vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Tennessee to Illinois, it's insightful to compare the regions not just by climate and cost of living but also by the makeup of their populations. This short guide provides a comparison of the politics between Tennessee & Illinois alongside a glimpse into the religious landscape of each state, offering a quick, at-a-glance snapshot.
When you move from Tennessee, where conservative politics and Christian values heavily influence local policies and social norms, to Illinois, a state known for its liberal stance and diverse religious landscape, the change can be palpable. Illinois's political environment, dominated by blue legislature, reflects a progressive attitude toward social issues, contrasting with Tennessee's traditionally red legislature. This shift is also evident in the religious makeup; Illinois, although still home to a strong Christian community, offers a more varied religious landscape with lower overall religiosity. This diversity in both politics and religion can offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities for engagement within your local community.
Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Illinois
Moving from one state to another can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to finding the best educational fit for your family. To assist in this transition, we’ve created a comparison chart to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Tennessee to Illinois . This chart highlights various aspects of the educational landscape to help you make an informed decision about your move.
Tennessee | Illinois |
---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Tennessee Knoxville; Vanderbilt University Nashville; Tennessee State University NashvilleUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Northwestern University Evanston; University of Chicago Chicago | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Linden Elementary School Oak Ridge; Lockeland Elementary Design Center Nashville; Percy Priest Elementary NashvilleLincoln Elementary School River Forest; South Park Elementary School Deerfield; Willowbrook Elementary School Glenview | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Meigs Magnet Middle School Nashville; Brentwood Middle School Brentwood; Mt. Juliet Middle School Mt. JulietMarie Murphy School Wilmette; Twin Groves Middle School Buffalo Grove; Maple School Northbrook | |
Top 3 High Schools Central Magnet School Murfreesboro; Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School Nashville; Brentwood High School BrentwoodNorthside College Preparatory High School Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School Lincolnshire; New Trier Township High School Winnetka | |
Top 3 private high schools Baylor School Chattanooga; McCallie School Chattanooga; Montgomery Bell Academy NashvilleUniversity of Chicago Lab School Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago; Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Baylor School Chattanooga; McCallie School Chattanooga; Webb School of Knoxville KnoxvilleUniversity of Chicago Lab School Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago; Latin School of Chicago Chicago | |
Top 3 School Districts Williamson County Schools Franklin; Maryville City Schools Maryville; Oak Ridge School District Oak RidgeNew Trier Township High School District 203 Northfield; Community High School District 128 Vernon Hills; Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Naperville |
When comparing education between Tennessee and Illinois, it's evident both states offer robust options for your child's education. For instance, Tennessee features unique magnet and design-centered schools such as the Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School, which focuses on liberal arts, and Meigs Magnet Middle School, with a robust academic program. On the other hand, Illinois is home to some of the nation's most prestigious high schools like Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago, known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Moreover, families seeking private education will find top-notch options such as the Baylor School in Chattanooga and the University of Chicago Lab School in Chicago, both offering comprehensive K-12 education that can cater to a diverse range of learning needs and preferences. These insights should help narrow down your choices and align them with your family’s educational priorities.



Additional Resources
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