Illinois to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to California

ConsIllinois

• Harsh winters
• Flat landscape
• Limited tech jobs
• Less cultural diversity
• Higher property taxes

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Diverse geography
• Silicon Valley hub
• Cultural melting pot
• Diverse housing options

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California

• High cost of living
• Earthquake risks
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire dangers
• Transient lifestyle

Illinois

• Affordable living
• Rich history
• Scenic prairies
• Four distinct seasons
• Community feel

Pros of moving from Illinois to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from a flat landscape and moving to California with diverse geography
• Swap the limited tech jobs of Illinois for the Silicon Valley hub in California
• Get ready for a cultural melting pot in California

Cons of moving from Illinois to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living in Illinois to live with the high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of earthquake risks
• Time to bid farewell to scenic prairies and get used to traffic congestion in California
• Swap four distinct seasons for wildfire dangers

Illinois vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to California, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious California roll of California. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, California residents know they have tasty tri-tip BBQ and fish tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan-based dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the acai bowls of California. 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 California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and California

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and basements, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and sustainable features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• California has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
• California housing costs are 204% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in California is 55.72% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to California. California gets 50% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 10 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows in California are 26 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 19% more than those in Illinois
• The COLI in California will be 45% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is varied in California compared to managed poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Illinois and significant in California

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. California

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as pluralistic with Christianity prevalent but a significant presence of other faiths
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to California

How Much Do Illinois to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,087 miles from Illinois to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.