California to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Illinois

ConsCalifornia

• Sky-high housing costs
• High income taxes
• Wildfire smoke season
• Severe droughts
• Earthquake risk
• Long car commutes
• Expensive gasoline
• Costly electricity
• Crowded popular parks
• High business costs
• Strict building codes
• Smoggy air days

ProsIllinois

• Lower home prices
• Lower flat tax
• Minimal wildfire risk
• Abundant freshwater
• Fewer earthquakes
• Shorter commutes
• Cheaper fuel
• Lower utility rates
• Less crowded parks
• Lower operating costs
• Simpler permitting
• Cleaner air

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Illinois

• Harsh winter cold
• No ocean access
• Flat terrain
• Shorter outdoor season
• Less dramatic scenery
• Smaller tech scene
• Fewer industry jobs
• Shorter growing season
• Limited outside Chicago
• Less venture capital
• Fewer nearby parks

California

• Mild winter climate
• Ocean beaches
• Mountain day trips
• Year-round outdoor
• Scenic coastal drives
• Robust tech ecosystem
• Top entertainment industry
• Extensive produce variety
• High transit coverage
• Major VC access
• Iconic national parks

Pros of moving from California to Illinois

• Say goodbye to sky-high housing costs and hello to lower home prices
• Look forward to moving away from high income taxes and moving to Illinois with a lower flat tax
• Swap the wildfire smoke season of California for minimal wildfire risk in Illinois
• Get ready for abundant freshwater in Illinois

Cons of moving from California to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a mild winter climate in California to live with harsh winter cold in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean beaches and have to settle for the con of no ocean access
• Time to bid farewell to mountain day trips and get used to flat terrain in Illinois
• Swap year-round outdoor activities for a shorter outdoor season

California vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Deep-dish pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip barbecue and sumptuous Tacos, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwiches and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan hot wings of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, In-N-Out Burger, and Chez Panisse. 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 California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Illinois

• The Spanish Revival and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style and Victorian architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and eco-friendly features, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to Chicago and historical characteristics.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than California.
• Illinois has less of an urban feel than California.
• Illinois housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in California with a median home price of $257,738 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Illinois is 35.78% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Illinois. Illinois gets 33% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe winter storms in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as California.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 17 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 16% less than in California
• The COLI in Illinois will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Illinois

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with a Democratic lean
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a significant Christian population
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more secular and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from California to Illinois

How Much Do California to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 2,088 miles from California to Illinois will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.