Illinois to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Hawaii

ConsIllinois

• Brutal winter cold
• Lake-effect snowstorms
• Tornado outbreaks
• Gray, short days
• High property taxes
• Flat, monotonous scenery
• Limited beach access
• Sweltering summer humidity
• Ice-slick roads
• Industrial air quality

ProsHawaii

• Warm tropical climate
• No sea-level snow
• Minimal tornado risk
• Abundant sunshine
• Lower property taxes
• Dramatic volcanic landscapes
• World-class beaches
• Cooling trade winds
• Year-round open roads
• Clean ocean air

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Hawaii

• Very high prices
• Remote island isolation
• Smaller job market
• Limited seasonal change
• Fewer major teams
• Limited transit options
• No long road trips
• Slow, costly shipping
• Expensive dining out
• High electricity costs
• Limited freshwater sources
• Tight housing supply

Illinois

• Lower overall prices
• Central mainland location
• Big job market
• Four distinct seasons
• Major pro sports
• Extensive public transit
• Easy road trips
• Fast shipping times
• Diverse dining scene
• Lower electricity rates
• Abundant freshwater lakes
• Larger housing inventory

Pros of moving from Illinois to Hawaii

• Say goodbye to brutal winter cold and hello to a warm tropical climate
• Look forward to moving away from lake-effect snowstorms and moving to Hawaii with no sea-level snow
• Swap the tornado outbreaks of Illinois for minimal tornado risk in Hawaii
• Get ready for abundant sunshine in Hawaii

Cons of moving from Illinois to Hawaii

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower overall prices in Illinois to live with very high prices in Hawaii
• You'll lose out on the pro of a central mainland location and have to settle with the con of remote island isolation
• Time to bid farewell to a big job market and get used to a smaller job market in Hawaii
• Swap four distinct seasons for limited seasonal change

Illinois vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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