Illinois to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Alabama

ConsIllinois

• Harsh winters
• High taxes
• Busy urban areas
• Pothole-filled roads
• Expensive housing

ProsAlabama

• Mild climate
• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• Well-maintained highways
• Affordable homes

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Alabama

• Less cultural variety
• No major water bodies
• Limited public transit
• Fewer cultural attractions
• No major sports leagues

Illinois

• Cultural diversity
• Proximity to Lake Michigan
• Robust public transportation
• Renowned museums
• Major sports teams

Pros of moving from Illinois to Alabama

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Alabama with a lower cost of living
• Swap the busy urban areas of Illinois for less traffic congestion in Alabama
• Get ready for well-maintained highways in Alabama

Cons of moving from Illinois to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Illinois to live with less cultural variety in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to Lake Michigan and have to settle for the con of no major water bodies
• Time to bid farewell to robust public transportation and get used to limited public transit in Alabama
• Swap renowned museums for fewer cultural attractions

Illinois vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Alabama BBQ of Alabama. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Alabama residents know they have tasty pulled pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style vegan pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegan soul food of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Big Bad Breakfast.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Alabama

• The Prairie School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and storage sheds.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Alabama housing costs are 12% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Alabama is 15.81% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Alabama. Alabama gets 13% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 6 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 17 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 22% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Alabama will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in AL is 2% to 5% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Alabama is lower compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to moderate poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Illinois and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Alabama

• Illinois tends to lean democratically in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as a Republican stronghold
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as strongly Christian, with a significant evangelical presence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of religious beliefs, with Christianity being predominant

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Alabama

How Much Do Illinois to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 738 miles from Illinois to Alabama 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.