If you're moving from Dallas to Illinois, you're looking at roughly 794 miles and a meaningful lifestyle shift — not just a change of address. The financial picture alone is worth understanding before you start booking movers. You're leaving Texas's zero-income-tax environment for Illinois's 4.95% flat rate. But housing costs drop, rent drops, and the overall cost of living is lower. Whether that math nets out in your favor depends on your income and where in Illinois you're landing.
Here's what you actually need before you start making calls: which Dallas movers hold up on long-haul jobs, what this route realistically costs across different service types, and what life in Illinois looks like compared to what you're leaving behind.
Local Moving Companies in Dallas
Out of 73 Dallas-based movers capable of handling interstate moves, these five rank highest for the Dallas-to-Illinois corridor based on verified customer reviews:
- Element Moving and Storage — 4.86 / 5
- AB Moving — 4.62 / 5
- AM Moving Company LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Evolution Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- Johnson Storage & Moving — 4.56 / 5
Element Moving and Storage
12011 Denton Dr., Dallas, TX 75234
- Yelp reviews: 4.8 / 5 (17 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.8 / 5 (945 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
92% positive | 7% negative | 14 years in business | DOT #: 2038052
Element leads this list for a reason. Across 251 analyzed reviews, 92% are positive — and the praise tracks the same themes every time: efficient crews, careful handling, and communication that holds from booking to delivery. Customers note that movers work fast without getting careless, which matters more on a cross-state run than a local job.
The complaints that surface cluster around claims handling — slow response times when something gets damaged on a complex or long-distance move. That's not unique to Element, but it's worth addressing before you sign. Ask specifically how their claims process works and what their typical resolution timeline looks like.
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; safes
Phone: (972) 805-0988 | State license: 006519926C
AB Moving
325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75201
- Yelp reviews: 4.6 / 5 (301 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.6 / 5 (542 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
62% positive | 37% negative | 25 years in business | DOT #: 1939700
AB Moving has real strengths: 25 years of experience, competitive pricing, and crews that work fast. But that 62% positive rate deserves scrutiny. Nearly four in ten reviews flag legitimate concerns — rushed jobs, surprise charges, or damaged items. That negative rate is higher than I'd normally be comfortable recommending for a long interstate haul.
If budget is the priority and you're moving relatively light, AB can get it done. Just make sure your quote is fully itemized and in writing before anyone shows up.
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes
Phone: (469) 378-5844 | State license: 000571862B
AM Moving Company LLC
5641 SMU Blvd., #128, Dallas, TX 75206
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (496 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (430 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade B+
81% positive | 17% negative | 9 years in business | DOT #: 2571411 | DOD certified
AM Moving earns repeat business the straightforward way — showing up on time, working efficiently, and treating belongings with actual care. Out of 711 analyzed reviews, more than 80% are positive. That's a meaningful number at that volume; this isn't a small sample propped up by a few fans. Pricing comes in at or below industry average on most Dallas jobs.
The 17% negative share is mostly furniture damage and delayed claims communication — nothing catastrophic, but worth knowing. They're DOD certified, which makes them worth a serious look for military relocations.
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes. Deposit required.
Phone: (469) 278-2304 | State license: 006870171C
Evolution Moving Company
11884 Greenville Ave #100A, Dallas, TX 75243
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (50 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (867 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
96% positive | 3% negative | 11 years in business | DOT #: 2467590
That 96% positive rate across 271 reviews is hard to argue with. Customers consistently mention transparent pricing, crews who finish ahead of schedule, and communication that holds from the first call to delivery day. The handful of negatives — surprise charges, transit damage, the occasional communication gap — are the same issues you'd find at any mover of this size. They're not patterns specific to Evolution.
For a company that's been around only 11 years, the track record here rivals much older operators.
Services: Local, interstate; packing/unpacking; pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks; crating; full-valuation coverage; storage; safes
Phone: (682) 651-5505 | State license: 006779351C
Johnson Storage & Moving
646 Bronze Way, Dallas, TX 75236
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (18 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (87 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
75% positive | 21% negative | 125 years in business | DOT #: 286130 | DOD certified
125 years in the business. That kind of longevity means institutional knowledge, and Johnson's customers tend to notice: careful packing, organized crews, and communication that keeps clients in the loop. DOD certified, which makes them a solid option for military relocations.
The 21% negative rate is real, though. Damage and delivery delays are the main complaints across 105 reviews, with some customers noting slow claims resolution. Not a dealbreaker, but factor it in if you're moving high-value furniture or tight on delivery timing.
Services: Local, interstate, international; packing/unpacking; pianos, pool tables, art, antiques; crating; shipment tracking; storage. DOD certified.
Phone: (817) 987-6490 | State license: 006615079C
Local Moving Services in Dallas, TX
Here's a quick look at how many Dallas interstate movers offer specific add-on services:
| Service | Movers Offering | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 51 | 69.9% |
| Small moves | 48 | 65.8% |
| Pianos | 49 | 67.1% |
| Antiques | 40 | 54.8% |
| Art | 36 | 49.3% |
| Fragile-only packing | 18 | 24.7% |
Pianos, antiques, and art handling are broadly available among Dallas movers. Fragile-only packing is the outlier — only about one in four operators offers it. If that's what you need, confirm availability before you commit to a company.
Cost to Move from Dallas, TX to Illinois
This route runs about 794 miles. Use the moving cost calculator to dial in an estimate based on your specific home size and move date. Here are the realistic ranges across service types:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,151 – $4,086 | $718 – $1,848 | $508 – $997 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,243 – $5,327 | $1,319 – $2,644 | $549 – $1,184 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,611 – $7,309 | $1,839 – $3,280 | $702 – $1,478 |
Estimates based on a ~794-mile move from Dallas, TX to Illinois, using verified rate data refreshed monthly. Final costs vary based on scope, access, fuel, timing, and add-ons. Get multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Dallas to Illinois
Studio or one-bedroom: expect $1,151–$4,086. Two to three bedrooms typically runs $2,243–$5,327 on this route. Larger homes — four bedrooms or more — usually come in between $3,611 and $7,309. The upper end of each range reflects peak-season pricing, packing services, or complicated access at one or both ends of the move.
For long-distance movers on this corridor, compare quotes from both local Dallas operators and national carriers. SafeShip Moving handles Texas-to-Illinois runs and vets its carrier network carefully — worth including in your comparison.
Cost of Moving Containers from Dallas to Illinois
If you want to load on your own schedule and take a few extra days, moving containers sit squarely between DIY and full-service. Small loads run $718–$1,848. Two to three bedrooms lands in the $1,319–$2,644 range. Larger households should budget $1,839–$3,280. You'll save compared to hiring movers, but you're handling all the loading and unloading yourself.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Dallas to Illinois
The cheapest option on this route — if you're willing to do the work. Studios and one-bedrooms: $508–$997. Two to three bedrooms: $549–$1,184. Four bedrooms or more: $702–$1,478. Those figures already include estimated fuel costs for the ~800-mile drive. If you're comfortable behind the wheel of a large vehicle and moving relatively light, a rental truck makes financial sense. If either of those conditions doesn't apply, the savings probably aren't worth the trade-off.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Dallas to IL
Three things move the needle most on this route:
- Move size: More belongings means more truck space, more labor hours, and a higher final bill. If you're on the borderline between home size categories, selling or donating a few pieces before the move can drop you into a cheaper tier.
- Time of year: Summer demand pushes rates up across the board. Fall and winter moves typically cost less for the same job — sometimes by several hundred dollars.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Full-service costs more, but it transfers liability and eliminates the physical grind. The right call depends on your budget, what you're moving, and how you feel about driving a 26-foot truck across three states.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Dallas to IL
The financial shift here is real, and the income tax change is the one most Dallas residents underestimate. You're moving from a zero-income-tax state to one with a 4.95% flat rate — on a $70,000 salary, that's more than $3,400 a year that doesn't come home with you. The upside is that housing costs and overall cost of living drop. Whether it's a net positive depends heavily on where in Illinois you're settling and what you're earning.
Compare Cost of Living: Dallas vs. Illinois
| Dallas, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,774 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $303,900 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Sources: Dallas — World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Illinois — Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
- Rent runs about 34% lower in Illinois than in Dallas. If you're renting, that's real monthly savings.
- Home values average roughly 18% lower than Dallas, giving you more buying power if you're in the market.
- Per capita income is about 15% higher in Illinois, which partially offsets the state income tax hit.
- The cost of living index is about 10% lower overall — though the Chicago metro has its own pricing dynamics that can narrow that gap quickly.
- Unemployment runs about 47% higher in Illinois than in Dallas. The job market is more competitive, especially outside the Chicago area.
- Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a flat 4.95%. Factor that in before you assume the lower cost of living makes the move a financial win.
How Life Is Different in Dallas, TX from Illinois
| Dallas, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56–42 | Democratic 55–45 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 36°F | 17°F |
| Annual rain | 39″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 19.7 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia.
A few things worth calling out before you pack:
- Summers in Illinois average around 86°F — noticeably cooler than Dallas's regular 96°F highs. Your cooling bills will drop; your willingness to spend time outside will increase.
- Winters are a different matter. Illinois bottoms out around 17°F compared to Dallas's 36°F, and annual snowfall jumps from roughly 1 inch to 22 inches. Budget for winter gear, higher heating costs, and learning how to actually drive in snow.
- Rainfall is nearly identical — 40 inches in Illinois versus 39 in Dallas — so that part of your day-to-day won't change much.
- Crime: Illinois's statewide crime index (19.7) is significantly lower than Dallas's (51.4). That said, statewide data masks wide neighborhood-level variation. Research specific areas, not just state averages.
- Politics: Dallas has trended Republican; Illinois leans Democratic, driven largely by the Chicago metro.
Pros of Dallas, TX vs. Illinois
| Pros of Living in Dallas | Pros of Living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Strong economic opportunity | Home of Chicago |
| Favorable weather year-round | Ample economic opportunity |
| Quality education options | Rich recreational options |
| Abundant entertainment options | Excellent food scene |
| Thriving restaurant scene | World-class sports culture |
Cons of Dallas, TX vs. Illinois
| Cons of Living in Dallas | Cons of Living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| High housing costs | Harsh winter weather |
| Heavy traffic | Chicago-area congestion |
| Limited green space | Higher crime in some urban areas |
| High cost of living | State income tax |
| Flat landscape in much of the state |
Other Considerations When Moving to Illinois
A few practical details that are easy to overlook until they become problems:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with a homeowners association, check their specific moving day rules before the truck arrives. Some restrict hours or have elevator policies.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a multi-story building? Reserve the freight elevator in advance. Don't assume it's available on the day you need it.
- Truck parking permits: Some Illinois municipalities require permits for large vehicles parked on residential streets during a move. Confirm with your destination city or building manager at least a week out.
- State licensing: Illinois movers handling local and intrastate work are required to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verify that any company you're considering has a current certificate before booking.
- License verification: You can check a mover's Illinois license status directly on the Illinois Commerce Commission's official website.
- Moving permits: There's no statewide moving permit requirement in Illinois, but local parking rules vary — check ahead for your specific destination.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date at usps.com. Set your official move date so mail forwards on the right day.
- Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection covers 60 cents per pound — barely enough to replace a lamp. If you're moving furniture, electronics, or anything with real monetary value, ask your mover about full-value protection or look into a third-party policy before you leave Dallas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist covers everything from eight weeks out through final delivery.
Things to Do in Illinois
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee River State Park
Sports Teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQ
How long does a move from Dallas to Illinois take?
Expect two to seven days, depending on the service type and time of year. Full-service movers on this ~794-mile route typically deliver in the three-to-five day range under normal conditions. Summer and peak moving weekends push toward the upper end. Ask any carrier for a specific delivery window — not a rough estimate — before you sign a contract.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in Dallas?
There are 44 Dallas-area movers that build custom crates for items like art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Before booking, confirm that the crating materials and dimensions actually match your items — "custom crating" covers a wide range of quality in practice.
What is the best way to get a car from Dallas to Illinois?
Auto transport is the right call here. Driving it adds 800 miles of wear and takes a full day away from your move. Check our car shipping guide for vetted options on the Texas-to-Illinois corridor, or get a quick estimate from the car shipping calculator.
Why are people moving from Dallas to Illinois?
Chicago is the main pull — a major metro with a strong job market, world-class food and arts, and a different pace of life than Dallas offers. On the push side, Dallas's housing costs and traffic congestion are the most common reasons people start looking elsewhere. If you're weighing the reverse direction, the Chicago to Dallas route has its own set of dynamics worth reviewing.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Dallas?
Our best long-distance movers page covers the top picks for interstate moves from Texas. On a route this long, it's worth comparing at least three quotes — pricing for the same home size can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the carrier and the timing.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in Dallas, TX?
Nineteen Dallas movers currently accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Moving companies generally prefer traceable payment methods — which protects both parties if there's a dispute. If you do pay cash, get a receipt for every transaction. Most companies require a deposit to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment schedule and accepted forms before moving day arrives.
Ready to see what your Dallas to Illinois move will actually cost? Run your numbers through the moving cost calculator and compare quotes across service types before you commit.