Alabama to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Illinois

ConsAlabama

• Hot summers
• Limited public transit
• Lower employment opportunities
• Higher humidity

ProsIllinois

• Cooler summers
• Extensive transit networks
• More job prospects
• Less humidity

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Illinois

• Less friendly demeanor
• Higher living costs
• Harsh winters
• Urban congestion

Alabama

• Southern hospitality
• Lower living costs
• Mild winters
• Rich cultural heritage

Pros of moving from Alabama to Illinois

• Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to cooler summers
• Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Illinois with extensive transit networks
• Swap the lower employment opportunities of Alabama for more job prospects in Illinois
• Get ready for less humidity in Illinois

Cons of moving from Alabama to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern hospitality in Alabama to live with a less friendly demeanor in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower living costs and have to settle for the con of higher living costs
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to harsh winters in Illinois
• Swap rich cultural heritage for urban congestion

Alabama vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Conecuh Sausage, 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 Okra Stew 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 Alabama eateries like Dreamland BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Au Cheval, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Illinois

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Prairie School and Chicago-style architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transport and energy-efficient features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
• Illinois housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Alabama with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in Illinois is 18.77% more expensive than in Alabama.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Illinois. Illinois gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe winter storms in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 5 degrees colder than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 19 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 29% more than in Alabama
• The COLI in Illinois is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5 in AL
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
• The poverty level is low in Illinois compared to moderate poverty in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Illinois

• Alabama tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with a slightly higher percentage of non-religious residents
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant Christian majority

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Illinois

How Much Do Alabama to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 741 miles from Alabama to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.