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Illinois to Hawaii Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Illinois to Hawaii? This moving guide will help you compare living in Illinois vs Hawaii across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Deep-Dish Pizza vs Poke), real estate & housing (prairie style and bungalows vs plantation style and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Deep-Dish Pizza and Italian Beef Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Poke & Kalua Pork
  • Hawaii housing costs are 233% more expensive than they are in Illinois
  • Rent in Hawaii is 67.49% more expensive than in Illinois
  • Our top recommended Illinois to Hawaii movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Illinois to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Hawaii

ConsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat landscapes
  • High property taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsHawaii iconHawaii
  • Mild climate
  • Scenic views
  • Lower taxes
  • Relaxed pace
  • Diverse outdoor recreation

Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Distance from mainland
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited space
  • Tourism-driven jobs
  • Isolated location
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Varied economy
  • Abundant farmland
  • Ample job opportunities
  • Accessible travel options

Pros of moving from Illinois to Hawaii

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Hawaii with scenic views
  • Swap the high property taxes of Illinois for lower taxes in Hawaii
  • Get ready for a relaxed pace in Hawaii

Cons of moving from Illinois to Hawaii

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural heritage in Illinois to live with distance from the mainland in Hawaii
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a varied economy and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to abundant farmland and get used to limited space in Hawaii
  • Swap ample job opportunities for tourism-driven jobs

Illinois vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
Most iconic local food itemDeep-Dish PizzaPoke
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichKalua Pork
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogSpam Musubi
Most popular vegan foodChicago Vegan Deep-Dish PizzaLaulau (Vegan Version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Alan Wong's
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 Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pork and Spam Musubi to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Laulau (Vegan Version) of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Leonard's Bakery, and Alan Wong's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Hawaii

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
Typical Architecture StylePrairie Style and BungalowsPlantation Style and Modern
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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsOcean view, Outdoor living space
  • The Prairie Style and Bungalows architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Plantation Style and Modern architecture typical of Hawaii.
  • Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Hawaii real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and outdoor living spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Hawaii is less walkable than Illinois.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Hawaii is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
  • Hawaii has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
  • Hawaii housing costs are 233% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
  • Rent in Hawaii is 67.49% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
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, FloodsVolcanoes, Hurricanes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6588/75
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2080/65
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3963
Annual Snowfall (Inches)220
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 43% more sunshine days than Illinois.
  • Hawaii 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 volcanoes and hurricanes in Hawaii.
  • The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 3 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
  • The average winter lows are 45 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 24 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Hawaii

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
Avg. Household Income$76,708$92,458
Cost of Living Index94.25165.7
State Income Tax4.95%4.00%
Avg. Property Tax2.16%0.28%
Avg. Sales Tax8.83%4.44%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, FinanceTourism, Military, Agriculture
AffluenceAverageModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessAverageHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 21% more than in Illinois
  • The COLI in Hawaii will be 76% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
  • The state income tax in HI is 4.00% compared to 4.95% in IL
  • The affluence in Hawaii is moderate compared to average in Illinois
  • The poverty level is low in Hawaii compared to moderate in Illinois
  • In terms of homelessness, it is average in Illinois and high in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Hawaii

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries by region; urban areas more liberalFocus on indigenous rights and environmental issues
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant number of non-religious residentsChristian majority, but notable Buddhist and Shinto communities
  • Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • Hawaii's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, but with notable Buddhist and Shinto communities
  • Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a significant number of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Hawaii

ComparisonIllinoisHawaii
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLincoln Elementary School
Skokie; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
Mililani Mauka Elementary School
Mililani; Momilani Elementary School
Pearl City; Manoa Elementary School
Honolulu
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWoodlawn Middle School
Long Grove; Maple School
Northbrook; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Kamuela; Iolani School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
Top 3 High SchoolsAdlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; New Trier Township High School
Winnetka
Punahou School
Honolulu; 'Iolani School
Honolulu; Moanalua High School
Honolulu
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Punahou School
Honolulu; 'Iolani School
Honolulu; Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Kamuela
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; North Shore Country Day School
Winnetka; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Iolani School
Honolulu; Le Jardin Academy
Kailua; Honolulu Waldorf School
Honolulu
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield; Niles Township Community High School District 219
Skokie; Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
Hawaii Department of Education (statewide)

Top Illinois to Hawaii Movers

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

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Illinois to Hawaii

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
A1 Movers, Inc featured image

A1 Movers, Inc

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details

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