Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Apr, 07 2026
Illinois and Florida share a lot of similarities. For one, the two states are nearly the same size. Florida is about 139,670 square kilometers, while Illinois is around 143,961 square kilometers.
The climates are also not too different. Both states experience plenty of sunshine, though it has more sunny days (up to 250 days a year) than Illinois (189).
How Much Does it Cost to Relocate from Illinois to Florida?
The average cost to relocate is $3,614. However, the actual cost of moving to Florida from Illinois will depend on several factors, such as the route taken, the volume of your items, and additional services such as packing and unpacking.
To find a cheap mover, always compare rates. Request quotes from up to five long-distance movers and sees who has the best rate. Also, you want to compare hourly-rate vs. fixed-rate movers and full-service movers vs. strictly apartment movers.
Cost Examples For Moves
| To / From | Distance(miles) | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park, IL to Miami, FL | 1191 | $2,625 – $3,182 | $3,935 – $5,044 | $4,244 – $6,567 |
| Lombard, IL to Palm City, FL | 1105 | $3,334 – $4,261 | $5,087 – $6,841 | $6,841 – $9,859 |
| Peoria, IL to Plant City, FL | 1157 | $2082.6 – $2545.4 | $2776.8 – $3123.9 | $3702.4 – $4280.9 |
| Naperville, IL to Melbourne, FL | 1246 | $2242.8 – $2741.2 | $2990.4 – $3364.2 | $3987.2 – $4610.2 |
| Chicago, IL to Glenvar Heights, FL | 1192 | $3,374 – $4,332 | $5,193 – $7,022 | $7,022 – $10,180 |
| Rockford, IL to Florida Ridge, FL | 1123 | $3,451 – $4,414 | $5,170 – $7,090 | $7,090 – $10,230 |
| Springfield, IL to Pembroke Pines, FL | 1268 | $2282.4 – $2799.6 | $3043.2 – $3423.6 | $4057.6 – $4691.6 |
| Chicago, IL to Tamiami, FL | 1389 | $2500.2 – $3055.8 | $3333.6 – $3750.3 | $4444.8 – $5139.3 |
| Quincy, IL to Lutz, FL | 957 | $3,199 – $4,094 | $4,870 – $6,344 | $6,344 – $9,408 |
| Pembroke Township, IL to Sunset, FL | 1141 | $3,456 – $4,407 | $5,263 – $7,079 | $7,079 – $10,213 |
Why Move?
Nevertheless, sometimes you have to move, perhaps to get closer to family or start a new life. Here’s why offer the fresh start you desire;
- No snowy days: Although both states have fair weather, with nearly two-thirds of the year being sunny, Florida has zero snowing days, whereas most Illinois cities experience several days of snowing in the winter.
- Lower cost of living: Florida has a significantly lower cost of living than Illinois. For instance, Chicago, Illinois, has a 5.9% higher cost of living than Orlando, Florida. The average housing cost in it is also 28% lower.
- Job opportunities: Florida has witnessed a 9.5% growth in employment opportunities in the last decade, with unemployment rates at just 8.2%. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in Illinois I slightly higher at 8.2%. It also has a more positive job growth outlook (38%) than Chicago, Illinois (25%).
Outdoor life: Finally, Florida fares a lot better if you’re chasing a better outdoor life. The endless beaches, sporting events, and entertainment spots in it make it a much more attractive destination. It also welcomes millions of tourists annually and has one of the most diverse communities in the US.
Where to Find the Right Movers
To relocate, you need an interstate mover. More specifically, you need an interstate apartment mover – unless you’re relocating your office as well, in which case you’ll also need office relocation services.
Some moving companies offer both – the company will move your home and office or business. Full-service movers even offer car shipping. However, you still need to find the right one. Here’s what to consider.
- Registration and licensing
Never deal with an unregistered or unlicensed moving company. Similarly, never deal with a mover with questionable credentials. If their registration or licensing documents don’t seem genuine, run for your life.
- Bonded and insured
Some people often confuse the two terms. Whereas insurance guarantees that the mover will cover damages and losses incurred during the move, a bonded mover promises to fulfill and uphold its contract. You need both.
- A positive reputation
You’re not necessarily looking for a flawless reputation. However, you also don’t want someone with cases all over. So, check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints and visit review platforms to get a feel of the mover’s reputation. For instance, what’s their star rating on Yelp?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Moving to Florida from Illinois is an interstate move regulated by the FMCSA. This requires movers to carry federal authority, issue written estimates, and follow interstate valuation rules. Costs are based on 1,100–1,300 miles, shipment weight, and services like packing or storage. Typical delivery windows range from 5–10 days, depending on routing and season. Many households use a licensed interstate moving service for compliance and cargo protection.
Most Illinois to Florida moves cost $2,200–$6,500 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. Pricing is driven by home size, total weight, packing needs, stairs or elevators, long carries, fuel, and seasonal demand. Summer rates are usually higher. Binding estimates reduce surprises. For planning ranges and comparisons, tools like an average moving cost calculator help set realistic budgets.
Driving time is typically 3–6 days, with total delivery windows of 5–10 business days after pickup. Timing varies by shipment size, shared truck schedules, weather, and traffic through Tennessee and Georgia. Larger homes or flexible delivery agreements extend timelines. Preparing documents, parking access, and inventories early using a moving checklist helps prevent loading-day delays.
Florida is often cheaper overall due to no state income tax, lower property taxes in many counties, and reduced winter heating costs. However, home insurance, utilities, and housing prices can be higher in coastal markets. Illinois residents may see savings on taxes but should budget for Florida insurance premiums, HOA fees, and regional housing demand differences.
Expect hotter summers, mild winters, and hurricane-season planning. Florida living typically involves higher air-conditioning use, different school calendars, and car-dependent suburbs. Outdoor activities are year-round. Many movers downsize winter gear and adjust utility budgets before scheduling a long-distance relocation with a long distance moving service.
The most affordable window is October through April, outside peak summer demand. Summer moves cost more due to higher volume and weather risks. Winter offers easier scheduling, though Midwest snow can delay pickups. Booking 4–6 weeks ahead improves pricing and truck availability, especially for routes leaving Chicago or northern Illinois.
