Best Tennessee to Illinois Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Tennessee to Illinois Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Alpha Moving & Storage LLC9.419.29Authorized For HHG
2606 Movers, Inc.9.379.27Authorized For Property, HHG
3Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHG
4Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHG
5Rice's Professional Moving Service9.299.61Authorized For Property
6Two Men And A Truck9.148.43Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,492300 ft³$4.97
1 Bedroom$2,216450 ft³$4.92
2 Bedrooms$3,655750 ft³$4.87
3 Bedrooms$5,3061100 ft³$4.82
4 Bedrooms$7,6381600 ft³$4.77
5+ Bedrooms$8,5031800 ft³$4.72
*Please note: These Tennessee to Illinois moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & 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 TN to IL mover.
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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 Logo

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 724+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3378094 / 1193307

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
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
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,230+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Rice's Professional Moving Service Logo

Rice's Professional Moving Service

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 599+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3941233 / 1463771

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved2,500 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Two Men And A Truck Logo

Two Men And A Truck

Exceptional9.14/10
based on 263+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1108883 / 483210

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans25
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved385,784 (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 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.

CONs
PROs
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Humidity
  • Tornado risk
  • Limited public transport
  • Hot summers
  • Rural isolation
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Less humid
  • Lower tornado threat
  • Extensive public transport
  • Milder summers
  • Urban convenience
Illinois iconIllinois
  • State income tax
  • Higher living expenses
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Harsh urban attitude
  • Dense urban areas
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • 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.

Tennessee
Illinois
Most iconic local food item
Barbecue Ribs
Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dish
Hot Chicken
Italian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Barbecue Nachos
Chicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Vegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Loveless Cafe
  • Arnold's Country Kitchen
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

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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.

Tennessee
Illinois
Typical Architecture Style
Traditional, Colonial
Prairie Style, Chicago Bungalow
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, Mountain views
Lake views, Proximity to Chicago

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.

Tennessee
Illinois
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornados, Floods
Tornados, Severe Winter Weather
Air Quality
Good to Moderate
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/69
85/65
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

49/30
35/22


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

54
39
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
22


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.

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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 .

Tennessee
Illinois
Avg. Household Income
$65,254
$76,708
Cost of Living Index
88.9
94.25
State Income Tax
0%
4.95%
Avg. Property Tax
0.64%
2.27%
Avg. Sales Tax
9.55%
8.81%
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture
Finance, Manufacturing, Transportation
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Notable
Significant
Homelessness
Moderate
Prevalent

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.

Tennessee
Illinois
Political Make-up
Lean Conservative
Lean Liberal
Local Politics
Red-dominated Legislature
Blue-dominated Legislature
Religion
Highly Religious, Predominantly Christian
Diverse, Less Religious Overall

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.

TennesseeIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Tennessee
Knoxville; Vanderbilt University
Nashville; Tennessee State University
Nashville
University 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
Nashville
Lincoln 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. Juliet
Marie 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
Brentwood
Northside 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
Nashville
University 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
Knoxville
University 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 Ridge
New 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.

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