Illinois to Indiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Indiana

ConsIllinois

• High property taxes
• Expensive cost of living
• Heavy traffic in Chicago
• Harsh winters
• Crowded urban areas

ProsIndiana

• Lower property taxes
• Affordable cost of living
• Less congested roads
• Milder winters
• More open spaces

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Indiana

• Fewer cultural events
• Limited waterfront areas
• Fewer higher education options
• Fewer historical sites
• Fewer gourmet options

Illinois

• Vibrant Chicago culture
• Access to Lake Michigan
• Renowned universities
• Rich historical landmarks
• Diverse culinary scene

Pros of moving from Illinois to Indiana

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from the expensive cost of living and moving to Indiana with an affordable cost of living
• Swap the heavy traffic in Chicago, Illinois for less congested roads in Indiana
• Get ready for milder winters in Indiana

Cons of moving from Illinois to Indiana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant Chicago culture in Illinois to live with fewer cultural events in Indiana
• You'll lose out on the pro of access to Lake Michigan and have to settle for the con of limited waterfront areas
• Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to fewer higher education options in Indiana
• Swap rich historical landmarks for fewer historical sites

Illinois vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious pork tenderloin sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Indiana residents know they have tasty sugar cream pie and Hoosier pie 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 vegetable curry of Indiana. 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 Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Indiana

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Indiana.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and updated kitchens.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Indiana is less walkable than Illinois.
• Indiana is similarly bike-friendly to Illinois.
• Indiana has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Indiana housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased 54% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Indiana is 22.93% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to Indiana. Indiana gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
• Indiana has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Indiana.
• The average summer high temperature in Indiana is the same as Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indiana. Indiana receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Indiana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 13% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Indiana will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in Indiana is 3.23% compared to 4.95% in Illinois
• The affluence in Indiana is modest compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is noticeable in Indiana compared to varied levels in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is an urban issue in Illinois and less prevalent in Indiana

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Indiana

• Illinois tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
• Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• Indiana's religious environment can be described as strongly Christian, especially Evangelical Protestant
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic and diverse

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Indiana

How Much Do Illinois to Indiana Movers Cost?

Moving 266 miles from Illinois to Indiana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.