Illinois to New York Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to New York

ConsIllinois

• Harsh lake-effect winters
• Car-dependent suburbs
• Limited rail options
• Fewer international routes
• Fewer cultural venues
• Early closing hours
• Less walkable neighborhoods
• Lower salary ceilings
• Flat outdoor scenery
• Fewer dining options
• Sparser event calendar
• Fewer networking events
• Car traffic dependence
• Fewer global headquarters

ProsNew York

• Milder coastal winters
• Extensive public transit
• Dense commuter rail
• More global flights
• World-class museums
• Late-night nightlife
• Highly walkable neighborhoods
• Higher salary potential
• Mountains and ocean
• Unmatched dining variety
• Constant events and festivals
• Vibrant networking scene
• Car-free living options
• Global industry hub

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New York

• Higher cost of living
• Smaller apartments
• Scarce parking
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Crowded public spaces
• Multiple transit transfers
• Limited private outdoor space
• Faster daily pace
• Farther from Midwest
• Costly childcare
• Higher income taxes
• Urban noise levels
• Alternate-side parking rules
• Harder restaurant reservations
• Longer housing waitlists
• Tighter living space

Illinois

• Lower cost of living
• Spacious housing
• Easier parking
• Less traffic congestion
• Lower population density
• Shorter car commutes
• Backyards and garages
• Slower daily pace
• Central US location
• Lower childcare costs
• Lower income taxes
• Quieter nights
• Street parking availability
• Easier restaurant reservations
• Shorter housing waitlists
• More living space

Pros of moving from Illinois to New York

• Say goodbye to harsh lake-effect winters and hello to milder coastal winters
• Look forward to moving away from car-dependent suburbs and moving to New York with extensive public transit
• Swap the limited rail options of Illinois for dense commuter rail in New York
• Get ready for more global flights in New York

Cons of moving from Illinois to New York

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Illinois to live with the higher cost of living in New York
• You'll lose out on the pro of spacious housing and have to settle for the con of smaller apartments
• Time to bid farewell to easier parking and get used to scarce parking in New York
• Swap less traffic congestion for heavy traffic congestion

Illinois vs. New York: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to New York, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Bagel of New York. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dogs, New York residents know they have tasty Buffalo Wings and Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-Style Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Bagel Sandwich of New York. 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 Girl & The Goat. After the boxes are unpacked in New York, don't wait too long before making your way to New York's acclaimed eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Per Se.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and New York

• The Prairie and Ranch architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Brownstone and High-rise architecture typical of New York.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, New York real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New York is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New York is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• New York has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
• New York housing costs are 79% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $460,812 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New York have increased by 36% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in New York is 42.71% more expensive than in Illinois.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Illinois and New York

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to New York. New York gets 19% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• New York has lower humidity and a lower 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 blizzards in New York.
• The average summer high temperature in New York is 3 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in New York. New York receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and New York

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New York tend to earn about 4% more than in Illinois
• The COLI in New York will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in NY is 4%-8.82% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in New York is high compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is moderate in New York compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Illinois and high in New York

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. New York

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• New York, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• New York's religious environment can be described as dominantly Catholic with a significant Jewish population
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Protestants and Catholics with growing diversity

How Much Do Illinois to New York Movers Cost?

Moving 933 miles from Illinois to New York 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.