Arkansas to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Illinois

ConsArkansas

• Hot climate
• Limited job market
• Urban sprawl
• Fewer cultural events

ProsIllinois

• Cooler summers
• Growing tech industry
• Efficient public transport
• Vibrant arts scene

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Illinois

• Higher living expenses
• Faster-paced lifestyle
• Colder winters
• Less southern fare

Arkansas

• Low cost of living
• Friendly communities
• Outdoor recreation
• Local cuisine

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Illinois

• Say goodbye to hot climate and hello to cooler summers
• Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to Illinois with growing tech industry
• Swap the urban sprawl of Arkansas for efficient public transport in Illinois
• Get ready for a vibrant arts scene in Illinois

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of a faster-paced lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to outdoor recreation and get used to colder winters in Illinois
• Swap local cuisine for less southern fare

Arkansas vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arkansas to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Possum Pie, 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 Black Bean Burger 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 Arkansas eateries like McBryde's Steakhouse, South on Main, and Doe's Eat Place. 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 Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Illinois

• The Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Victorian architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and scenic views, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like accessibility and public transport links.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Arkansas.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
• Illinois housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
• Rent in Illinois is 33.04% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Illinois. Illinois gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arkansas.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and snowstorms in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 5 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 38% more than in Arkansas
• The COLI in Illinois is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.5% in AR
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to noticeable poverty in Arkansas
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Arkansas and pressing in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Illinois

• Arkansas tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic, especially in urban areas
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse, with a significant presence of Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities
• Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious, predominantly Christian with a strong evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Illinois

How Much Do Arkansas to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 471 miles from Arkansas to Illinois will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.