DC to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Illinois

ConsDC

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Harsh winters
• High rental prices

ProsIllinois

• More affordable housing
• Less traffic congestion
• Milder winters
• Lower rental costs

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Illinois

• Fewer cultural events
• Fewer landmarks
• Limited job diversity
• Limited public transport

DC

• Rich cultural scene
• Iconic landmarks
• Diverse job market
• Convenient public transport

Pros of moving from DC to Illinois

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Illinois with less traffic congestion
• Swap the harsh winters of DC for milder winters in Illinois
• Get ready for lower rental costs in Illinois

Cons of moving from DC to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural scene in DC to live with fewer cultural events in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of iconic landmarks and have to settle for the con of fewer landmarks
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to limited job diversity in Illinois
• Swap convenient public transport for limited public transport

DC vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce on Chicken and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, 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 Beet Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe. 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 Au Cheval.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Illinois

• The Victorian and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference roof decks and proximity to metro, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like yard space and proximity to schools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Illinois is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Illinois is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Illinois has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Illinois housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Illinois is 27.03% more affordable than in DC.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Illinois. Illinois gets 7% fewer sunshine days than DC.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 2 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois as it receives 1 inch less of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 24% less than in DC
• The COLI in Illinois will be 33% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 4% in DC
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in DC and low in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Illinois

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as a varied religious landscape with Christianity being predominant
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a multicultural mix with a significant Christian population

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Illinois

How Much Do DC to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 779 miles from DC 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.