Alaska to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Illinois

ConsAlaska

• Extreme cold winters
• High cost of living
• Remote location
• Limited daylight in winter
• Sparse public transportation

ProsIllinois

• Milder winters
• Affordable housing options
• Central location
• Balanced daylight hours
• Robust transit systems

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Illinois

• Urban environment
• Hustle and bustle lifestyle
• Limited wildlife encounters
• Cultural diversity
• Lack of open spaces

Alaska

• Natural beauty
• Small, close-knit communities
• Rich wildlife
• Unique culture
• Untouched wilderness

Pros of moving from Alaska to Illinois

• Say goodbye to extreme cold winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Illinois with affordable housing options
• Swap the remote location of Alaska for a central location in Illinois
• Get ready for balanced daylight hours in Illinois

Cons of moving from Alaska to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Alaska to live with the urban environment in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of small, close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of a hustle and bustle lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to rich wildlife and get used to limited wildlife encounters in Illinois
• Swap unique culture for cultural diversity

Alaska vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic King Crab of Alaska for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous Salmon Bake, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill, 49th State Brewing Co, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Au Cheval.

When comparing lifestyles, Illinois shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alaska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois, compared to what you are used to in Alaska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Illinois

• The log cabins and modern rustic architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Prairie style and modern architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and historical features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Illinois housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 60% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Illinois is 0.51% more expensive than in Alaska.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alaska and Illinois

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Illinois. Illinois gets 27% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 25 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 13% less than in Alaska
• The COLI in Illinois will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95
• The affluence in Illinois is variable compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Alaska and elevated in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Illinois

• Alaska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with greater religious diversity in urban centers
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with diverse beliefs

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Illinois