Florida to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Illinois

ConsFlorida

• Hurricane risks
• High humidity
• Tourist congestion
• Expensive insurance
• Higher pest issues

ProsIllinois

• Minimal natural disasters
• Milder summers
• Slower pace
• Lower insurance costs
• Fewer infestations

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Illinois

• Fewer beaches
• Cold winters
• Less exotic fauna
• Less nightlife
• State income tax

Florida

• Sunny beaches
• Year-round warmth
• Diverse wildlife
• Vibrant cities
• No state income tax

Pros of moving from Florida to Illinois

• Say goodbye to hurricane risks and hello to minimal natural disasters
• Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Illinois with milder summers
• Swap the tourist congestion of Florida for a slower pace in Illinois
• Get ready for lower insurance costs in Illinois

Cons of moving from Florida to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny beaches in Florida to live with fewer beaches in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round warmth and have to settle for the con of cold winters
• Time to bid farewell to diverse wildlife and get used to less exotic fauna in Illinois
• Swap vibrant cities for less nightlife

Florida vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Cuban Sandwich, 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 Acai Bowl 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 Florida eateries like Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Bern’s Steak House. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Florida. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Florida. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Illinois

• The Mediterranean and Ranch architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and pools, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and basements.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Florida.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Illinois is less bike-friendly than Florida.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Florida.
• Illinois housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in Illinois is 21.31% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Illinois. Illinois gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 5 degrees colder than Florida.
• The average winter lows in Illinois are 28 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 11% more than in Florida
• The COLI in Illinois will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95%
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to moderate in Florida
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Florida and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Illinois

• Florida tends to lean mixed, with a slight Republican lean in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic, especially in urban areas
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse, with a strong presence of Christianity and significant Jewish and Muslim communities in the larger cities
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a significant Catholic presence in South Florida

Education Guide When Moving from Florida to Illinois

How Much Do Florida to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,195 miles from Florida to Illinois will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.