Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 14,000 people living in Illinois had lived in Wisconsin a year earlier. A 2-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Chicago, about 96 miles, usually costs $2,000–$3,900. 79 licensed movers are based in Wisconsin.
Who makes this move
14,131
people moved from Wisconsin to Illinois (±2,749)
24,045
moved the other way, from Illinois to Wisconsin (±3,201)
- Illinois drew about 13% of the roughly 106,000 people who left Wisconsin for another state.
- More people moved from Illinois to Wisconsin than this way, by about 9,900.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Wisconsin went
Most common moves out of Wisconsin
- Minnesota20,000
- Illinois14,000
- Florida8,200
- Texas5,900
- Michigan5,800
- Arizona5,000
- California4,100
- North Carolina3,900
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
Milwaukee to Chicago, about 96 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,150–$2,250 | $1,400–$2,750 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $1,450–$2,850 | $1,800–$3,550 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $2,000–$3,900 | $2,500–$4,850 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $2,500–$4,850 | $3,100–$6,050 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $2,950–$5,700 | $3,650–$7,050 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $3,400–$6,550 | $4,200–$8,150 |
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.
Between the main cities
A 2-bedroom move, mid-month outside summer.
| Move | Miles | Usual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee to Chicago | 96 | $2,000–$3,900 |
| Madison to Chicago | 144 | $2,000–$3,900 |
Road miles, estimated from the straight line between the cities. Some of these moves are short: movers often price a short move by the hour, crew and truck rather than by weight and distance, so ask which way a quote is priced.
Licensed movers based in Wisconsin
See all 79Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Prairie Du Sac, WI · USDOT 1578185
2 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2006
Kenosha, WI · USDOT 2525330
4 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2014
Sun Prairie, WI · USDOT 2595339
4 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2015
Milwaukee, WI · USDOT 1520030
5 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2006
Before you book
Questions about moving from Wisconsin to Illinois
How much does it cost to move from Wisconsin to Illinois?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Chicago, about 96 miles, usually costs $2,000–$3,900 mid-month outside summer; between the main cities on this page it runs from $2,000 to $3,900. A studio runs about $1,150–$2,250 and a 4-bedroom about $2,950–$5,700. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Wisconsin to Illinois?
About 14,000 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 14,131, with a margin of error of ±2,749. About 24,000 moved from Illinois to Wisconsin the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Wisconsin to Illinois?
Between the main cities on this page, from about 96 to 144 miles by road; Milwaukee to Chicago is about 96. Distances are 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Illinois?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 24% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Movers in Wisconsin and Illinois. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.