## MoveFinders — AI Information Page
URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/billings-to-il
AI Information URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/billings-to-il/ai-information

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from Billings, MT to Illinois: Companies, Costs & Guide
Description: Compare top Billings movers for your interstate move to Illinois. See costs, company reviews, and what to expect before relocating.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-08-22
Last Updated: 2026-08-22

## Author
Name: Sean Sullivan
Role: Senior Research Analyst
Bio: Sean has spent over a decade analyzing the moving industry, helping thousands of families find reliable movers. His research has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports.

## SEO Keywords
moving from Billings to Illinois, Billings movers, interstate moving cost, moving companies Billings MT, Illinois relocation

## Content

## Moving from Billings, MT to Illinois

If you're moving from Billings to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 1,200 miles and a significant shift in climate and cost of living. I've pulled together the top local operators in Billings who can handle the long haul, current pricing, and what you actually need to know before packing the truck.

### Top Billings Movers for Interstate Moves

Out of the moving companies in Billings that handle state-to-state relocations, here are the ones with the strongest track records:

1. **[Aaron's Back Company](#aarons-back-company)** — 4.2 / 5 stars (97% positive reviews)
2. **[Baker Transfer & Storage](#baker-transfer--storage)** — 4.2 / 5 stars (78% positive reviews)
3. **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK** — 3.8 / 5 stars (61% positive reviews)
4. **McKell Brothers Hauling Inc.** — 3.7 / 5 stars

---

## Baker Transfer & Storage

**706 Daniel St Suite 1, Billings, MT 59102**  
**Rating:** 4.2 / 5 | **License #:** 469163 | **DOT #:** 469163  
**Years in Business:** 13

Baker Transfer stands out for professionalism and efficient service. Among 27 reviews, nearly 78% were positive, with customers repeatedly citing careful handling and courteous staff. The company will move pianos, pool tables, safes—they handle specialty items well.

The tradeoff: some customers report unexpectedly high costs and occasional scheduling delays. For a company handling everything from packing to crating to climate-controlled storage, that's fairly typical. If precision matters more than the lowest price, they're solid.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items, storage.

**Get a Quote:** (406) 245-3147

[Read full reviews on Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/baker-transfer-and-storage-billings) | [BBB Profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/mt/billings/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/baker-transfer-storage-1296-1000081470)

---

## Aaron's Back Company

**6917 King Ave W, Billings, MT 59106**  
**Rating:** 4.2 / 5 | **Hourly Rate:** $140/hr  
**Years in Business:** 17

This is the standout in Billings. Aaron's Back Company has 166 reviews, and 97% came back positive. Customers praise the team for being quick, professional, and affordable. They handle hot tubs, antiques, pianos—the stuff that needs real care.

What I like: the consistency. Very few complaints about damage or miscommunication. What you see in the estimate is what you pay. That reliability is rare enough that it's worth calling them first.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty item handling, storage.

**Get a Quote:** (406) 670-4045

[Read full reviews on Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/aarons-back-company-billings-4) | [BBB Profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/mt/billings/profile/moving-companies/aarons-back-company-llc-1296-1000034595)

---

## TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

**1375 4th Ave N Suite F, Billings, MT 59101**  
**Rating:** 3.8 / 5 | **License #:** 3796877 | **DOT #:** 2527384

Professional and efficient—that's the consensus from 61% of their reviews. Movers are fast, polite, and careful with valuables. The problem is inconsistency. About 39% of feedback flags issues: damage, unexpected charges on larger moves, or poor responsiveness when problems arise. You'll likely have a smooth move, but there's real risk if complications pop up.

**Services:** Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage.

**Get a Quote:** (406) 219-4070

[Read full reviews on Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/two-men-and-a-truck-billings)

---

## McKell Brothers Hauling Inc.

**1430 Maurine St, Billings, MT 59105**  
**Rating:** 3.7 / 5

Limited review data here, so I'd recommend calling for references if you're interested.

**Services:** Local moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items.

**Get a Quote:** (406) 259-1249

---

## Cost to Move from Billings to Illinois

Here's what you're actually looking at. These are ballpark estimates for a 1,216-mile move, based on current pricing data. Your actual quote will depend on load size, services, your move date, and local factors like parking or elevator access.

| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|-----------|-------------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,367 – $5,172 | $883 – $2,139 | $739 – $1,327 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,023 – $7,298 | $1,504 – $2,987 | $745 – $1,725 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,237 – $9,393 | $2,161 – $4,201 | $945 – $1,984 |

**Pro tip:** Use the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a personalized estimate based on your actual belongings.

### Full-Service Movers

A studio or one-bedroom typically costs $1,367–$5,172. For 2–3 bedrooms, expect $3,023–$7,298. Four bedrooms or larger runs $5,237–$9,393.

The spread is wide because distance, season, service level, and accessibility all matter. A summer move in peak season will skew toward the high end. Packing and unpacking add cost but save your time and back.

### Moving Containers

If you want flexibility—load when you want, they deliver when you're ready—[moving containers](/best/moving-containers) typically run $883–$2,139 for a small move, $1,504–$2,987 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $2,161–$4,201 for larger homes.

### Rental Trucks

[Truck rental](/best/truck-rentals) is cheapest—$739–$1,327 for a studio, $745–$1,725 for 2–3 bedrooms, $945–$1,984 for 4+. But you're driving 1,200 miles, packing everything yourself, and doing all the heavy lifting. Fuel is included in these estimates, but your time and energy aren't.

---

## What Drives Moving Costs

**Move size:** More stuff = higher cost. Simple.

**Time of year:** Summer (June–August) is peak season in Billings. Expect to pay more. Winter is cheaper but messier.

**DIY vs. professional:** Renting a truck saves money upfront but costs you days of labor and stress. Hiring movers costs more but gives you your time back.

**Accessibility:** If your current place or new place has limited parking, elevator access, or narrow stairs, movers charge more. Ask upfront.

---

## Cost of Living: Billings vs. Illinois

Before you move, understand the financial shift. [Moving to Illinois](/movers/illinois) isn't a dramatic change from Billings, but there are real differences worth planning for.

| Metric | Billings, MT | Illinois |
|--------|--------------|----------|
| Average Rent | $1,300/month | $1,179/month |
| Average Home Price | $381,592 | $249,224 |
| Per Capita Income | $63,515 | $78,433 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 90 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 5.3% |
| State Income Tax | 6.75% | 4.95% |

**Rent** is about 9% cheaper in Illinois. You'll save roughly $120/month on rent alone—that adds up.

**Home prices** are 35% lower in Illinois. If you're buying, your mortgage goes down significantly.

**Income** averages 23% higher in Illinois. That's a real gain, though it depends on your field and specific job.

**Cost of living** is nearly identical, so your day-to-day expenses (groceries, utilities, gas) won't shock you.

**Unemployment** is about 29% higher in Illinois (5.3% vs. 4.1%), meaning the job market is tighter. If you're transferring with an employer, not an issue. If you're job hunting, factor in a longer search.

**Income tax** is 27% lower in Illinois (4.95% vs. 6.75%). You'll keep more of what you earn—a real benefit long-term.

---

## Climate & Lifestyle Changes

Moving from Billings to Illinois is a climate pivot. Here's what to expect:

| Factor | Billings, MT | Illinois |
|--------|--------------|----------|
| Summer High | 88°F | 86°F |
| Winter Low | 16°F | 17°F |
| Annual Rain | 14″ | 40″ |
| Annual Snow | 46″ | 22″ |
| Population | ~184,000 | ~12.5 million |
| Political Lean | Republican (61–37) | Democratic (55–45) |
| Crime Index | 48.63 | 19.7 |

**Summer temps** are nearly identical. You won't feel much difference—though Illinois is more humid, which makes it feel warmer.

**Winter** is almost the same, too (17°F vs. 16°F). But Illinois gets much less snow (22″ vs. 46″). Less shoveling, less ice damage, easier winters overall.

**Rain** jumps from 14″ to 40″ annually. That's a real shift. You'll have greener surroundings but wetter days. Pack rain gear and adjust your outdoor routines.

**Population** and density increase dramatically. Billings is a mid-sized mountain town. [Illinois](/movers/illinois) is urban and suburban sprawl. If you're moving to Chicago, expect noise, traffic, and energy. If you're moving to central Illinois, it's quieter.

**Politics** swing Democratic instead of Republican. Not a moving factor for most, but worth noting if community values matter to you.

**Crime** is significantly lower in Illinois (19.7 vs. 48.63 index). Safer neighborhoods overall.

---

## Before You Move: Regulations & Logistics

**State licensing:** [Illinois](/movers/illinois) requires moving companies to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify your mover has one—it's your protection.

**Moving permits:** Illinois doesn't require moving permits statewide, but check local parking restrictions in your new city before moving day. Some neighborhoods require truck permits.

**Elevator reservation:** If your building has one, reserve it early. Elevators fill up fast on busy moving days.

**HOA rules:** Check your new neighborhood for move-in restrictions or HOA regulations.

**Change of address:** Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before you move. Use [USPS online](https://www.usps.com) to start your mail forward.

**Moving insurance:** Standard Released Value Protection is free (60 cents per pound). If you need full-value coverage, ask your mover about additional insurance or shop third-party providers.

**Use a checklist:** Keep organized with a [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist). It prevents the scramble on moving day.

---

## Things to Do in Illinois

Illinois has real culture and attractions worth exploring.

**Museums:**
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Museum of Hummels

**Parks:**
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park

**Sports:**
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)

**Universities:**
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How long does the move take?**

Expect 2–8 days depending on your moving method and season. Summer moves often take longer due to traffic and company schedules. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.

**Do Billings movers offer custom crating?**

Yes. Baker Transfer & Storage and Aaron's Back Company both offer custom crating for fragile or odd-shaped items. Discuss your specific needs and costs upfront.

**Can I pay with cash?**

Three movers in Billings accept cash, but it's rare. Most want traceable payments (card or check). You'll pay a deposit to secure your date, then the remainder at pickup or delivery. Confirm timing and methods before signing.

**How do I ship my car?**

If you need your vehicle in Illinois, hire a car shipping specialist. They're separate from moving companies and have better coverage and experience for automotive transport. See our [car shipping guide](/resources/moving-cost-guide) for details.

**Why move to Illinois?**

Chicago is the draw for most—job market, culture, urban energy. Others seek lower home prices and lower taxes. It's a real economic hub.

---

## Get Moving

Ready to get serious quotes? Head to the [moving cost calculator](/calculator) and see what actual movers in Billings will charge for your specific move. Get at least three quotes, verify licenses, and don't settle for the lowest price alone—consistency and professionalism matter on a 1,200-mile haul.

## About MoveFinders
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