Illinois to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Idaho

ConsIllinois

• Harsh winters
• High property taxes
• Traffic congestion
• Urban sprawl

ProsIdaho

• Milder climate
• Lower property taxes
• Less traffic
• Spacious living

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Idaho

• Fewer restaurant options
• Limited cultural venues
• Car-dependent
• No large bodies of water

Illinois

• Diverse dining scene
• Vibrant arts culture
• Public transportation
• Lakefront views

Pros of moving from Illinois to Idaho

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Idaho with lower property taxes
• Swap the traffic congestion of Illinois for less traffic in Idaho
• Get ready for spacious living in Idaho

Cons of moving from Illinois to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse dining scene in Illinois to live with fewer restaurant options in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant arts culture and have to settle for the con of limited cultural venues
• Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to being car-dependent in Idaho
• Swap Lakefront views for no large bodies of water

Illinois vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Idaho potatoes. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Idaho residents know they have tasty Boise River steelhead and finger steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the quinoa bowls of Idaho. 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 Au Cheval. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, Westside Drive-In, and Barbacoa Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Idaho

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and hardwood floors, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Idaho has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Idaho housing costs are 75% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Idaho is 7.74% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Idaho. Idaho gets 5% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Idaho 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
• The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 5% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Idaho will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in ID is 6.925% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Idaho is modest compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to moderate poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Illinois and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Idaho

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as largely Protestant with a notable presence of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with significant Catholic and Protestant populations

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Idaho

How Much Do Illinois to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,642 miles from Illinois to Idaho will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.