Arizona to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Illinois

ConsArizona

• Extreme heat
• Limited rainfall
• Arid landscapes
• Higher energy costs

ProsIllinois

• Cooler summers
• Lush greenery
• Diverse seasons
• Lower heating costs

---

Illinois

• Harsher winters
• Frequent snow
• Higher taxes
• Limited hiking options

Arizona

• Desert beauty
• Year-round sunshine
• Lower taxes
• Diverse outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Arizona to Illinois

• Say goodbye to extreme heat and hello to cooler summers
• Look forward to moving away from limited rainfall and moving to Illinois with lush greenery
• Swap the arid landscapes of Arizona for diverse seasons in Illinois
• Get ready for lower heating costs in Illinois

Cons of moving from Arizona to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from desert beauty in Arizona to live with harsher winters in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round sunshine and have to settle for the con of frequent snow
• Time to bid farewell to lower taxes and get used to higher taxes in Illinois
• Swap diverse outdoor activities for limited hiking options

Arizona vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, 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 Prickly pear sorbet they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago-style vegan deep dish of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Café, and Durant’s. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Illinois

• The Spanish Colonial architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and garages, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like basements and hardwood floors.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Arizona.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Illinois is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
• Illinois housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in Illinois is 8.51% more affordable than in Arizona.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Illinois. Illinois gets 34% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and flash floods in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 19 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 26 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 3% more than in Arizona
• The COLI in Illinois will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 2.59% - 4.50% in AZ
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is above average in Illinois compared to average in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arizona and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Illinois

• Arizona tends to lean mixed, leaning Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as dominantly Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as Christianity predominant with diverse religious communities
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominant with a significant 'none' population

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Illinois

How Much Do Arizona to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,534 miles from Arizona to Illinois will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.