Best Wisconsin to Illinois Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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WI to IL Moving Specialists

Moving from the Dairy State to the Land of Lincoln is an adventure filled with growth and new opportunities. You’re leaving behind the world-famous cheese and the serene views of Lake Michigan for Illinois’ rich history, vibrant cities, and bustling neighborhoods. To ensure this long-distance journey is smooth and stress-free, it’s crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers, and we're here to connect you with the best, making your move as seamless as possible.

Wisconsin iconArrow iconIllinois icon

Best Wisconsin to Illinois Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
A Smooth Move, LLC9.59A+Authorized For HHGContact
Elite Movers9.58NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Madison Smooth Moves9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
MACS Moving and Storage9.43A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Happ Movers, Inc.9.43A+ActiveContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Illinois to Wisconsin guide.

6 Best WI to IL Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.59/10
based on 1,293+ data points

About A Smooth Move, LLC

A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-Service Moves
  • Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
  • Business and Residential Relocation Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Elite Movers Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 788+ data points

About Elite Movers

Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocati...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
  • Single Item Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579816 / 1208798

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 894+ data points

About Madison Smooth Moves

Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Long-distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
3
MACS Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,047+ data points

About MACS Moving and Storage

Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2386699 / 820142

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved216,309 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Happ Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,118+ data points

About Happ Movers, Inc.

Happ Movers, Inc. has provided residential and commercial moving services in Chicago’s North Shore area for more than half a century. Locate...Read More >>

Services

  • Professional Moving Services
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2970282 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois involves weighing a variety of factors that could impact your quality of life. This comparison aims to present a balanced view by showcasing both the advantages and disadvantages of such a move. Our tables are designed to reflect the contrasting pros and cons between Wisconsin and Illinois , offering insight into what can be gained or lost in the transition.

CONs
PROs
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer major cities
  • Less diversity
  • Higher tax rates
  • Lower job prospects
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Milder winters
  • More urban areas
  • Greater diversity
  • Lower sales tax
  • Better job market
Illinois iconIllinois
  • More urbanized
  • Fewer outdoor options
  • More transient
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less dairy prominence
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lush landscapes
  • Outdoor activities
  • Close-knit communities
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quality dairy products

Moving from the serene landscapes and tight-knit communities of Wisconsin to the bustling urban life in Illinois comes with both excitements and adjustments. Illinois, particularly cities like Chicago, is renowned for its diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique dining experiences, such as the deep-dish pizza at Pequod's Pizza, and vibrant cultural scenes that can't be found elsewhere. Besides, Illinois' warmer winters appeal to those who desire less snowy days. However, this move might mean adapting to a faster pace of life and possibly higher living costs, especially in sought-after areas like the Loop or Lakeview. Despite the higher cost of urban living, Illinois offers a plethora of job opportunities, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology, enhancing career prospects for newcomers.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois Food Guide

Food plays a crucial role in depicting the essence of local culture and daily life. Understanding this aspect can significantly enhance your transition experience. This comparison of the local cuisine between Wisconsin & Illinois aims to provide you with a clearer picture of the culinary scene you're about to dive into.

WisconsinIllinois
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishBratwurstItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodVegan Cheese PlatterVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • L'Etoile
  • Mader's
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Illinois, Chicago is notably a phenomenal starting point for food enthusiasts. The city's diverse neighborhoods, such as Wicker Park and Logan Square, offer a broad range of sumptuous dining options. Here, you can savor the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's, bite into a juicy Italian Beef sandwich, or enjoy a vegan deep-dish pizza that competes with its meat-laden counterparts. Portillo's and Alinea summarize the diverse range of culinary experiences available - from fast food to fine dining. This vibrant foodie scene in Illinois, especially in Chicago, is more than ready to welcome you with its delicious offerings.

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Wisconsin vs. Illinois Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle between Wisconsin and Illinois, providing valuable insights for your decision-making process.

ComparisonWisconsinIllinois
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanPrairie and Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake access, Spacious yardsProximity to public transportation, Historic details

When comparing housing between Wisconsin and Illinois, a few key distinctions emerge. For starters, Illinois generally boasts a higher urban lifestyle score, indicative of its dense, vibrant cities like Chicago which offer ample public transportation options and historic charm. In contrast, Wisconsin's real estate often highlights spacious yards and lake access, catering to those seeking a closer connection with nature and more private, outdoor space. This comparison underscores the importance of lifestyle preferences in choosing the right state for you, balancing the allure of bustling city life against the tranquility of scenic landscapes.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois Weather Considerations

When considering a move from one location to another, it's essential to understand how the weather compares between your current and future homes. This comparison between Wisconsin and Illinois sheds light on weather patterns you can expect, helping you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
82°F / 57°F

Wisconsin

85°F / 65°F

Illinois

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
28°F / 13°F

Wisconsin

35°F / 22°F

Illinois

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34"

Wisconsin

39"

Illinois

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
48"

Wisconsin

22"

Illinois

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWisconsinIllinois
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, you'll notice milder winters, with Illinois generally experiencing higher winter temperatures and less snowfall—around 22 inches annually in Illinois compared to Wisconsin's heftier 48 inches. However, both states enjoy similar levels of humidity and near-equal days of sunshine, assuring that the transition in terms of sunlight and air moisture will be smooth. Notably, Illinois tends to have slightly more challenging air quality, which could impact those with respiratory conditions. Understanding these differences ensures you're well-prepared for your new setting.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand the financial implications . This comparison aims to highlight the key differences between Wisconsin and Illinois in terms of money and finance, helping you gauge how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes will affect your wallet.

ComparisonWisconsinIllinois
Avg. Household Income$70,996$76,708
Cost of Living Index95.6594.25
State Income Tax3.54 - 7.654.95 (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax1.762.16
Avg. Sales Tax5.438.82
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessLowLow

The financial contrasts between Wisconsin and Illinois are notable, especially regarding average household income and tax rates. While Illinois offers a higher average household income, it applies a flat state income tax rate which might affect differently depending on your earnings. Additionally, Illinois's higher property and sales taxes could impact your overall cost of living there despite its marginally higher affluence rating. Considering industries, both states boast strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors, but Illinois has a significant edge in finance, which could influence job opportunities based on your career field.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Wisconsin to Illinois, it's insightful to glance at the typical makeup of the population you'll be joining. This quick comparison will provide you a snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Wisconsin & Illinois , offering a glimpse into what you can expect in your new home.

WisconsinIllinois
Political Make-upSwing StateLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed urban-rural dynamicsUrban-centered politics
ReligionChristian MajorityChristian Majority

In both Wisconsin and Illinois, Christianity is the predominant religion, which reflects in the community events and local traditions that you'll encounter. However, when it comes to politics, you might notice a shift. While Wisconsin's political landscape can change with each election due to its status as a swing state, Illinois tends to lean more Democratic, largely influenced by the urban politics of cities like Chicago. Understanding these dynamics is key to getting involved in your new community, whether you're participating in local elections or engaging with community groups. Both states offer a rich blend of urban and rural communities, yet Illinois tends to have a more pronounced focus on its urban centers, which may influence local policies and initiatives you'll experience.

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

Moving can be an overwhelming process, especially when considering educational options for your family. To aid in this transition, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Wisconsin and Illinois . This overview will help you make an informed decision regarding the best educational environment for your children.

WisconsinIllinois

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign
Illinois State University
Normal
University of Chicago
Chicago

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Swan School
Milwaukee
Woods Elementary
Milwaukee
Lake Country Academy
Sheboygan
Lincoln Elementary School
River Forest
South Park Elementary School
Deerfield
Willowbrook Elementary School
Glenview

Top 3 Middle Schools

Washburn Middle School
Washburn
Lake Country School
Hartland
Bayside Middle School
Bayside
Maple School
Northbrook
Wilmette Junior High School
Wilmette
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette

Top 3 High School Schools

Cedarburg High School
Cedarburg
Whitefish Bay High School
Whitefish Bay
Brookfield East High School
Brookfield
New Trier High School
Winnetka
Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Hinsdale Central High School
Hinsdale

Top 3 private high schools

University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
St. John's Northwestern Academies
Delafield
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Wayland Academy
Beaver Dam
St. John's Northwestern Academies
Delafield
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest
The Latin School of Chicago
Chicago

Top 3 School Districts

Elmbrook School District
Brookfield
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Mequon Thiensville School District
Mequon
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
Bannockburn School District 106
Bannockburn

In comparing educational options between Wisconsin and Illinois, you'll find distinct advantages on both sides. Wisconsin boasts highly regarded public institutions with a strong emphasis in university-preparedness, exemplified by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's consistent ranking as a top-choice among its seniors. On the other hand, Illinois offers unparalleled options in private education, with schools like Lake Forest Academy and Francis W. Parker School providing a solid foundation for Ivy League admissions. Furthermore, Illinois's public school districts, such as New Trier Township High School District 203, are nationally recognized for their rigorous academic programs and successful graduation outcomes, showcasing Illinois’s commitment to excellence in education.

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