Movers

Illinois to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 768 mile interstate move from Illinois to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Illinois vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Deep-dish pizza vs Half-smoke), real estate & housing (prairie, modern vs victorian, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Deep-dish pizza and Italian Beef, but get your taste buds ready for Half-smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 140% more expensive than they are in Illinois
  • Rent in DC is 37.05% more expensive than in Illinois
  • Moving from Illinois to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Illinois to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Illinois vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemHot dogsFalafel
Most popular vegan foodSeitan dishesJackfruit tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
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 Illinois to DC, you will be trading the iconic Deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Half-smoke of DC. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot dogs, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Falafel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit tacos of DC. 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 DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben’s Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rose's Luxury.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and DC

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, ModernVictorian, Federal
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 listingSuburban communities, spacious yardsProximity to Metro, vibrant neighborhoods
  • The Prairie and Modern architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference suburban communities and spacious yards, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro and vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; DC is more walkable than Illinois.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; DC is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
  • DC housing costs are 140% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased 8% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
  • Rent in DC is 37.05% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

ComparisonIllinoisDC
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6589/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2047/28
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3940
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2215
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to DC. DC gets 7% more sunshine days than Illinois.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 4 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and DC

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Avg. Household Income$76,708$101,027
Cost of Living Index94.25140.1
State Income Tax4.95%10.75%
Avg. Property Tax2.27%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax10.02%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, InsurancePublic Administration, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableModerate
HomelessnessModerateNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 32% more than those in Illinois
  • The COLI in DC is 49% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
  • The state income tax in DC is 10.75% compared to 4.95% in IL
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Illinois
  • The poverty level is moderate in DC compared to notable in Illinois
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and noticeable in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. DC

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsChicago's urban policies influentialD.C. local government's federal oversight
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious presenceChristianity prevalent, significant non-religious segment
  • Illinois tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a significant non-religious segment
  • Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with a diverse religious presence

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to DC

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLincoln Elementary School
Chicago
South Loop Elementary School
Chicago
Skinner North Classical School
Chicago
Janney Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Lafayette Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Mann Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThayer J. Hill Middle School
Naperville
Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Maple School
Northbrook
Deal Middle School
Washington D.C.
Hardy Middle School
Washington D.C.
Ellington School of the Arts
Washington D.C.
Top 3 High School SchoolsAdlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Washington D.C.
School Without Walls High School
Washington D.C.
Wilson High School
Washington D.C.
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Georgetown Day School
Washington D.C.
Sidwell Friends School
Washington D.C.
St. Albans School
Washington D.C.
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLatin School of Chicago
Chicago
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Georgetown Day School
Washington D.C.
Sidwell Friends School
Washington D.C.
National Cathedral School
Washington D.C.
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Trier Township High School District
Northfield
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
District of Columbia Public Schools

How Much Do Illinois to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 768 miles from Illinois to DC 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,638300 ft3$5.46
1 Bedroom$2,434450 ft3$5.41
2 Bedrooms$4,020750 ft3$5.36
3 Bedrooms$5,8411100 ft3$5.31
4 Bedrooms$8,4151600 ft3$5.26
5+ Bedrooms$9,3771800 ft3$5.21

Top Illinois to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Illinois to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Illinois to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details