Iowa to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Illinois

ConsIowa

• Severe weather
• Lack of nightlife
• Limited public transit
• Job market limitations

ProsIllinois

• Milder climate
• Vibrant city life
• Comprehensive transport system
• Diverse job opportunities

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Illinois

• Higher cost of living
• Crowded urban areas
• Heavy traffic jams
• Limited green spaces

Iowa

• Affordable living
• Tight-knit communities
• Lower traffic congestion
• Wide open spaces

Pros of moving from Iowa to Illinois

• Say goodbye to severe weather and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from a lack of nightlife and moving to Illinois with vibrant city life
• Swap the limited public transit of Iowa for a comprehensive transport system in Illinois
• Get ready for diverse job opportunities in Illinois

Cons of moving from Iowa to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living in Iowa to live with a higher cost of living in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of tight-knit communities and have to settle with the con of crowded urban areas
• Time to bid farewell to lower traffic congestion and get used to heavy traffic jams in Illinois
• Swap wide open spaces for limited green spaces

Iowa vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Walking Tacos, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Hot Dogs (Chicago-style) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Corn 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 Iowa eateries like The Iowa Barnstormers, Jethro’s BBQ, and Ames Brewpub. 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, Au Cheval Diner, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Illinois

• The Traditional and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and public transit options.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Illinois housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Illinois is 62.03% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Illinois. Illinois gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 2 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 10% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Illinois is 2% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 4.55 in IA
• The affluence in Illinois is higher compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Illinois

• Iowa tends to lean mixed and leans slightly Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in urban areas
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with a strong presence of Catholicism in urban areas
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominated by Christianity, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Illinois

How Much Do Iowa to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 260 miles from Iowa to Illinois will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.