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Connecticut to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 994 mile interstate move from Connecticut to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Connecticut vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial vs prairie style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Connecticut), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Steamed Cheeseburger, but get your taste buds ready for Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Illinois housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Connecticut
  • Rent in Illinois is 12.20% more affordable than Connecticut
  • Moving from Connecticut to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Connecticut to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Connecticut to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Connecticut to Illinois

ConsConnecticut iconConnecticut
  • High cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited job market
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • More affordable housing
  • Milder winters
  • Better public transport
  • Diverse job opportunities

Illinois iconIllinois
  • No coastal views
  • More spread out suburbs
  • Less historical landmarks
  • Less seasonal variety
Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Beautiful coastline
  • Close-knit communities
  • Rich history
  • Four distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Connecticut to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Illinois with milder winters
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Connecticut for better public transport in Illinois
  • Get ready for diverse job opportunities in Illinois

Cons of moving from Connecticut to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastline in Connecticut to live with no coastal views in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of more spread-out suburbs
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical landmarks in Illinois
  • Swap four distinct seasons for less seasonal variety

Connecticut vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollDeep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishSteamed CheeseburgerItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemApizzaChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Sally's Apizza
  • Louis' Lunch
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Connecticut to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Connecticut for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Connecticut rave about their flavorful Steamed Cheeseburger and sumptuous Apizza, 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 Jackfruit Tacos 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 Connecticut eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Louis' Lunch. 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 Connecticut. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Connecticut. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Connecticut and Illinois

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonialPrairie Style
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront, Stainless Steel AppliancesEnergy Efficient, Hardwood Floors
  • The Colonial architecture that Connecticut is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Connecticut's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and stainless steel appliances, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and hardwood floors.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Connecticut.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Connecticut.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Connecticut.
  • Illinois housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Connecticut, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Connecticut’s $393,802.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 55% increase in Connecticut.
  • Rent in Illinois is 12.20% more affordable than Connecticut.

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

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersNor'easters, HurricanesTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F / 18Β°F32Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"39"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)37"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Connecticut to Illinois. Illinois gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Connecticut.
  • Illinois has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Connecticut.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and hurricanes in Connecticut, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 3 degrees warmer than in Connecticut.
  • The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Connecticut.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Connecticut.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Connecticut and Illinois

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Avg. Household Income$88,429$76,708
Cost of Living Index122.194.25
State Income Tax3% - 6.99%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax2.14%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax6.35%6.25% - 11%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, Real EstateManufacturing, Agriculture, Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 13% less than those in Connecticut
  • The COLI in Illinois is 23% lower than what you are used to living in Connecticut
  • The state income tax in Illinois is 4.95% compared to 3% - 6.99% in Connecticut
  • The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in Connecticut
  • The poverty level is high in Illinois compared to moderate in Connecticut
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Connecticut and high in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Connecticut vs. Illinois

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticLargely Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal policies in urban areas, mixed in ruralLiberal in Chicago, varies outside
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, diverse in urban areas
  • Connecticut tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian and diverse in urban areas
  • Connecticut's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Connecticut to Illinois

ComparisonConnecticutIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Yale University
University of Connecticut
Wesleyan University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWest School
New Canaan; North Mianus School
Greenwich; International School At Dundee
Greenwich
South Park Elementary
Deerfield; Walden Elementary School
Deerfield; Lincoln Elementary School
River Forest
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEastern Middle School
Riverside; Middlesex Middle School
Darien; Tomlinson Middle School
Fairfield
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette; Wood Oaks Junior High School
Northbrook; Maple School
Northbrook
Top 3 High SchoolsStaples High School
Westport; Greenwich High School
Greenwich; Darien High School
Darien
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; New Trier Township High School
Winnetka
Top 3 private high schoolsChoate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford; The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville; The Loomis Chaffee School
Windsor
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Brunswick School
Greenwich; Greens Farms Academy
Westport; King School
Stamford
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; The British International School of Chicago
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Canaan School District; Greenwich School District; Darien School DistrictNew Trier Township High School District 203; Naperville Community Unit School District 203; Niles Township Community High School District 219

How Much Do Connecticut to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 994 miles from Connecticut to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,766300 ft3$5.89
1 Bedroom$2,627450 ft3$5.84
2 Bedrooms$4,340750 ft3$5.79
3 Bedrooms$6,3101100 ft3$5.74
4 Bedrooms$9,0991600 ft3$5.69
5+ Bedrooms$10,1461800 ft3$5.64

Top Connecticut to Illinois Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Connecticut to Illinois movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Connecticut to Illinois

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move & Delivery featured image

Smooth Move & Delivery

9.21/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Connecticut to Illinois Routes

Bridgeport to Illinois