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Delaware to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 863 mile interstate move from Delaware to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Delaware vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like less cultural diversity vs rich cultural scene), food & health (like Scrapple vs Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs prairie, mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Scrapple and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Illinois housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Delaware
  • Rent in Illinois is 5.41% more affordable than in Delaware
  • Moving from Delaware to Illinois will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Delaware to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Delaware to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Delaware to Illinois

ConsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited career opportunities
  • Small city life
  • Less public transport
  • Higher weather volatility
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Diverse job market
  • Vibrant urban areas
  • Efficient transit systems
  • Distinct seasons

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher taxes
  • Hectic lifestyle
  • Landlocked
  • Costlier real estate
  • Fast-paced living
Delaware iconDelaware
  • Low sales tax
  • Close-knit communities
  • Easy beach access
  • Affordable housing
  • Calm pace of life

Pros of moving from Delaware to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to less cultural diversity and hello to a rich cultural scene
  • Look forward to moving away from limited career opportunities and moving to Illinois with a diverse job market
  • Swap the small city life of Delaware for vibrant urban areas in Illinois
  • Get ready for efficient transit systems in Illinois

Cons of moving from Delaware to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low sales tax in Delaware to live with higher taxes in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of a hectic lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to easy beach access and get used to being landlocked in Illinois
  • Swap affordable housing for costlier real estate

Delaware vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
Most iconic local food itemScrappleChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoardwalk FriesChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodKale Caesar SaladChicago Diner's Vegan Milkshake
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The House of William & Merry
  • Agave
  • Cantwell's Tavern
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
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 Delaware to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Scrapple of Delaware for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Delaware rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Boardwalk Fries, 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 Kale Caesar Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago Diner's Vegan Milkshake of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Delaware eateries like The House of William and Merry, Agave, and Cantwell's Tavern. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Delaware and Illinois

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodPrairie, Mid-Century Modern
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, private beachesHistoric districts, proximity to Chicago
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Delaware is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Delaware's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and private beaches, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like historic districts and proximity to Chicago.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Delaware.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Delaware.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Delaware.
  • Illinois housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Delaware, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Delaware’s $385,745.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 42% increase in Delaware.
  • Rent in Illinois is 5.41% more affordable than in Delaware.

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

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
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 DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6685/65
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44/2735/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4539
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2022
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Delaware to Illinois. Illinois gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Delaware.
  • Illinois has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Delaware.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 1 degree colder than in Delaware.
  • The average winter lows in Illinois are 7 degrees colder than they are in Delaware.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Delaware.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Delaware and Illinois

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
Avg. Household Income$82,174$76,708
Cost of Living Index102.4594.25
State Income Tax5.54.95
Avg. Property Tax0.432.16
Avg. Sales Tax08.82
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Agriculture, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Finance
AffluenceModerateDiverse
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowSignificant
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 7% less than in Delaware
  • The COLI in Illinois is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Delaware
  • The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.5 in DE
  • The affluence in Illinois is diverse compared to moderate affluence in Delaware
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Delaware
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Delaware and significant in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Delaware vs. Illinois

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal policies in urban areasLiberal policies dominant in Chicago, moderate elsewhere
ReligionChristianity predominates, with a significant "none" demographicChristianity predominates, diverse religious presence in urban areas
  • Delaware tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democratic
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as Christianity predominates and has a diverse religious presence in urban areas
  • Delaware's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominates, with a significant 'none' demographic

Education Guide When Moving from Delaware to Illinois

ComparisonDelawareIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Wilmington
North Star Elementary School
Hockessin
Odyssey Charter School
Wilmington
Lincoln Elementary School
River Forest
Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
South Park Elementary School
Deerfield
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAlfred G. Waters Middle School
Middletown
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Newark
Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Maple School
Northbrook
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Top 3 High School SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Newark
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Wilmington
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
New Trier Township High School
Winnetka
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Top 3 private high schoolsTower Hill School
Wilmington
St. Andrew's School
Middletown
Sanford School
Hockessin
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTower Hill School
Wilmington
Sanford School
Hockessin
Wilmington Friends School
Wilmington
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Top 3 School DistrictsAppoquinimink School District
Brandywine School District
Newark Charter School District
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville

How Much Do Delaware to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 863 miles from Delaware 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,692300 ft3$5.64
1 Bedroom$2,515450 ft3$5.59
2 Bedrooms$4,154750 ft3$5.54
3 Bedrooms$6,0381100 ft3$5.49
4 Bedrooms$8,7031600 ft3$5.44
5+ Bedrooms$9,7001800 ft3$5.39

Top Delaware to Illinois Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Delaware 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 Delaware to Illinois

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

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
SSW Moving & Junk Removal featured image

SSW Moving & Junk Removal

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Delaware to Illinois Routes

Wilmington to Illinois