Real cost estimates, top San Antonio mover reviews, and a city-by-city comparison for anyone planning a move from San Antonio to Illinois.
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If you're moving from San Antonio to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,067 miles — not a coast-to-coast haul, but far enough that picking the wrong mover or miscalculating costs can create real problems. Before you sign anything, here's what the numbers actually look like and which local San Antonio movers have earned solid marks for this kind of run.
Use our moving cost calculator to get a ballpark number based on your home size and timeline before you start collecting quotes.
Out of 30 San Antonio movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five rose to the top based on verified customer reviews.
1316 Austin St, San Antonio, TX 78208
Out of 225 reviews analyzed, 96.4% were positive — one of the highest rates I've seen for a local San Antonio company. Customers consistently point to efficient moves, careful handling, and crews that arrive on time and communicate throughout. Multiple reviewers said they'd rehire without hesitation.
The small minority of complaints involve property damage and difficulty getting claims resolved. Before you book, ask specifically about their damage policy and how the claims process works. That's good advice with any mover, but worth confirming here.
State license: 006903095C | DOT: 2632638 | 14 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
Phone: (210) 371-5766
302 Casa Blanca St, San Antonio, TX 78215
With 39 years in business, 3 Men Movers has a track record most local outfits can't touch. Of 278 reviews, 91.7% were positive — customers highlight fast work, respectful crews, and clear communication from booking through delivery. Rates came in as reasonable, which is harder to find on a 1,000-mile move than most people expect.
The 7.6% of negative reviews cite property damage and unresolved claims. If you're shipping valuable or fragile items, clarify their insurance and handling process before you commit.
State license: 000534796B | DOT: 1914113 | 39 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, storage, safes
Phone: (210) 337-6683
11955 Parliament St #1308, San Antonio, TX 78216
Evolution has the highest positive review rate on this list — 97% across 260 reviews. Customers point to speedy, well-organized crews, transparent pricing, and a smooth booking process. At 10 years in business, they've built a real reputation without coasting on it.
A small number of clients reported damage and difficulty getting compensation, plus occasional complaints about final costs running higher than quoted. Uncommon, but worth factoring in.
State license: 006779351C | DOT: 2467590 | 10 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes
Phone: (210) 944-8858
5405 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
I'll be straight: a 44% negative review rate is a red flag, and the star rating doesn't tell the full story. The field crews get praised for professionalism and efficiency — that part is legitimate. But the complaints about doubled final charges, damaged items, and dead-end claims processes are serious enough that I'd rank them lower despite the score. If pricing transparency and damage resolution matter to you (and they should), proceed with real caution here.
State license: 008596107C | DOT: 3138126 | 13 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, crating, storage
Phone: (469) 267-6770
13610 Mason Crest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247
Twenty-five years in business and an A+ from the BBB — both good signals. More than 80% of 267 reviews are positive, with customers frequently noting crews finishing ahead of schedule and belongings arriving intact. Clear communication and honest pricing set AB Moving apart from competitors with messier billing reputations.
That said, nearly one in five reviews mentions damaged or missing items and slow claims handling. Solid choice for most moves, but if you're shipping irreplaceable items, buy additional coverage.
State license: 000571862B | DOT: 1939700 | 25 years in business
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
Phone: (210) 519-2040
Here's what specialty coverage looks like across all 30 San Antonio movers that handle interstate moves:
| Service | # of Movers | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 28 | 93.3% |
| Small moves | 14 | 46.7% |
| Art | 15 | 50.0% |
| Pianos | 20 | 66.7% |
| Antiques | 13 | 43.3% |
| Fragile-only packing | 7 | 23.3% |
Here's what the three main options actually cost on this route, based on 1,067-mile pricing data.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,115 – $4,802 | $802 – $1,899 | $681 – $1,267 |
| 2–3 BR | $2,347 – $5,540 | $1,467 – $2,956 | $728 – $1,404 |
| 4+ BR | $4,045 – $7,860 | $1,864 – $3,744 | $924 – $1,726 |
Approximate estimates based on pricing data as of January 2026. Your final quote may vary based on move size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare at least three quotes before booking.
For a studio or one-bedroom, hiring a long-distance moving company will run $1,115 to $4,802. A two- to three-bedroom home lands between $2,347 and $5,540. For four bedrooms or more, budget $4,045 to $7,860.
That's a wide range — and the spread usually comes down to timing (summer moves cost more), how much packing help you need, and whether you have specialty items like pianos or art.
Moving containers give you a middle path — professional transport without putting yourself behind the wheel for 1,000 miles. A small load runs $802 to $1,899. Two to three bedrooms will typically cost $1,467 to $2,956, and four bedrooms or more can reach $1,864 to $3,744.
A rental truck is the cheapest option, but you're handling all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself — across more than a thousand miles. For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $681 to $1,267. Two to three bedrooms: $728 to $1,404. Four bedrooms or more: $924 to $1,726. These figures include estimated fuel costs.
Three variables that will move your final number up or down:
Moving to Illinois from San Antonio looks cost-neutral on paper — but the details matter, especially around taxes and climate.
| San Antonio, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,496 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $249,398 | $249,224 |
| Per capita income | $62,451 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 91 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0% | 4.95% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation
What the numbers actually mean for your budget:
| San Antonio, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican (68–42) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Summer high | 94°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 41°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 33″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth calling out specifically:
What San Antonio has going for it:
What Illinois has going for it:
What people leave San Antonio for:
What people find hard about Illinois:
A few logistics that often get overlooked until the last minute:
If you're new to the state, here's a quick orientation.
Typically two to eight days, depending on the company and service level. Summer moves tend to run longer because demand compresses schedules. Confirm your delivery window in writing before you finalize any booking — that's not a detail to leave vague.
Twenty-one movers in San Antonio offer custom crating for specialty items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If you have unusual or fragile pieces, confirm that capability with your specific company before booking. Not every mover that claims to "handle antiques" actually builds custom crates.
On a 1,000-mile move, auto transport usually makes more sense than driving twice. Use our car shipping calculator to compare carriers for the Texas-to-Illinois route. Look for transporters with verifiable FMCSA registration and clear insurance documentation.
Most commonly: job opportunities in Chicago and the broader Illinois economy, lower crime rates, and a change of climate. People leaving San Antonio most often cite the summer heat and, for some, a desire for more economic diversity in their local job market.
Start with the five companies reviewed above. For a broader list of vetted options that operate on this route, see our guide to the best long-distance movers.
Eleven movers in San Antonio accept cash, but it's not standard. Most prefer traceable payment methods. You'll typically pay a deposit at booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Get the payment terms in writing — and confirm the accepted methods — before your move date.
Compare quotes from multiple San Antonio movers before committing. Use the MoveFinders cost calculator to estimate your move from San Antonio to Illinois based on your actual home size and timeline.
