Illinois to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Massachusetts

ConsIllinois

• High summer humidity
• Flat prairie scenery
• Limited ocean access
• Long drive to mountains
• Fewer tech opportunities
• Car-dependent suburbs
• Limited fresh seafood
• Fewer top universities
• Dispersed cultural venues
• Distant whale watching

ProsMassachusetts

• Cooler coastal summers
• Ocean and hills
• Atlantic beaches nearby
• New England peaks close
• Thriving biotech scene
• Transit-friendly Boston area
• New England seafood
• World-class universities
• Walkable historic districts
• Whale watching nearby

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Massachusetts

• Higher housing prices
• Smaller living spaces
• Scarce street parking
• Winding, older streets
• Higher energy costs
• Costlier childcare
• Heavier Boston traffic
• Longer Midwest trips
• Pricier event tickets
• Snow emergency parking

Illinois

• Lower housing costs
• More space for money
• Abundant parking
• Easier driving grids
• Lower energy costs
• Lower childcare costs
• Less daily congestion
• Central U.S. location
• Lower event prices
• Simple snow logistics

Pros of moving from Illinois to Massachusetts

• Say goodbye to high summer humidity and hello to cooler coastal summers
• Look forward to moving away from flat prairie scenery and moving to Massachusetts with ocean and hills
• Swap the limited ocean access of Illinois for Atlantic beaches nearby in Massachusetts
• Get ready for New England peaks close in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Illinois to Massachusetts

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower housing costs in Illinois to live with higher housing prices in Massachusetts
• You'll lose out on the pro of more space for money and have to settle for the con of smaller living spaces
• Time to bid farewell to abundant parking and get used to scarce street parking in Massachusetts
• Swap easier driving grids for winding older streets

Illinois vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Clam chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty New England Lobster Roll and Fried Clams to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Deep-dish pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Massachusetts

• The Prairie and Bungalow architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Massachusetts.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transportation and energy efficiency.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Massachusetts housing costs are 138% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Massachusetts is 45.01% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 6% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Massachusetts 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 blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 5 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Massachusetts

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 23% more than in Illinois
• The COLI in Massachusetts will be 29% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in MA is 5.00% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is lower in Massachusetts compared to significant in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Illinois and varied in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Massachusetts

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian (Catholic and Protestant), followed by non-religious, Jewish, and Buddhist
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (varied denominations), followed by non-religious, Jewish, and Muslim

How Much Do Illinois to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 1,097 miles from Illinois to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.