Moving from Iowa to Illinois
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 6,700 people living in Illinois had lived in Iowa a year earlier. A 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Chicago, about 365 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200. 46 licensed movers are based in Iowa.
Who makes this move
6,721
people moved from Iowa to Illinois (±1,744)
10,691
moved the other way, from Illinois to Iowa (±2,090)
- Illinois drew about 10% of the roughly 69,000 people who left Iowa for another state.
- More people moved from Illinois to Iowa than this way, by about 4,000.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Iowa went
Most common moves out of Iowa
- Illinois6,700
- Nebraska6,600
- Minnesota6,000
- Arizona4,600
- Wisconsin4,100
- Texas3,800
- Pennsylvania3,200
- New Jersey2,400
Survey estimates: where two figures are closer than their margins of error, their order may not be real. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows: 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
What it costs, by home size
Des Moines to Chicago, about 365 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,250–$2,400 | $1,550–$3,000 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $1,600–$3,100 | $2,000–$3,800 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $2,200–$4,200 | $2,750–$5,250 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $2,750–$5,250 | $3,400–$6,550 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $3,200–$6,150 | $4,000–$7,650 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $3,700–$7,100 | $4,600–$8,800 |
A model, not a quote: weight and distance, adjusted for season, fitted to published 2026 cost tables. Packing, stairs and specialty items add to these. How we model costs.
Licensed movers based in Iowa
See all 46Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Iowa City, IA · USDOT 1471037
37 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2006
Des Moines, IA · USDOT 3528959
3 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2020
Before you book
Questions about moving from Iowa to Illinois
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Illinois?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Chicago, about 365 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200 mid-month outside summer. A studio runs about $1,250–$2,400 and a 4-bedroom about $3,200–$6,150. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Iowa to Illinois?
About 6,700 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 6,721, with a margin of error of ±1,744. About 11,000 moved from Illinois to Iowa the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Iowa to Illinois?
Des Moines to Chicago is about 365 miles by road, estimated from the straight line between the cities. A mover's estimate uses the actual route.
Does a mover need a federal license to move me from Iowa to Illinois?
Yes. The move crosses a state line, so the mover needs active interstate authority from the FMCSA under a USDOT number. Each mover listed here shows its authority and insurance status from FMCSA's files.
When is it cheapest to move from Iowa to Illinois?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 25% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Iowa to Illinois
See which companies hold active federal authority to move you and what moves like yours usually cost, then pick who quotes you.
Already have a quote? Check whether it's a normal price.
More moves from Iowa
No other move from Iowa is common enough for its own page.
Movers in Iowa and Illinois. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.