Illinois to Maryland Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Maryland

ConsIllinois

• Harsh winters
• High property taxes
• Flat terrain
• Traffic congestion

ProsMaryland

• Milder winters
• Lower property taxes
• Scenic landscapes
• Better public transit

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Maryland

• Higher housing costs
• Hurricane risk
• Fewer hiking trails
• Higher sales tax

Illinois

• Affordable housing
• Rich history
• Central location
• Vibrant cities

Pros of moving from Illinois to Maryland

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Maryland with lower property taxes
• Swap the flat terrain of Illinois for scenic landscapes in Maryland
• Get ready for better public transit in Maryland

Cons of moving from Illinois to Maryland

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Illinois to live with higher housing costs in Maryland
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of hurricane risk
• Time to bid farewell to a central location and get used to fewer hiking trails in Maryland
• Swap vibrant cities for higher sales tax

Illinois vs. Maryland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Maryland, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious crab cakes of Maryland. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Maryland residents know they have tasty fried chicken and soft shell crab sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the black bean burger of Maryland. 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 Maryland, don't wait too long before making your way to Maryland's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Seafood, G&M Restaurant, and Bertha's Mussels.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Maryland

• The Prairie School and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Maryland.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, Maryland real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to water.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Maryland is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Maryland is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Maryland has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Maryland housing costs are 61% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $414,972 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Maryland have increased 33% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Maryland is 6.56% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Maryland. Maryland gets 13% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Maryland 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 hurricanes and floods in Maryland.
• The average summer high temperature in Maryland is 2 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Maryland. Maryland receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Maryland

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Maryland tend to earn about 24% more than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Maryland will be 33% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in MD is 2% - 5.75% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Maryland is affluent compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in Maryland compared to noticeable in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Illinois and manageable in Maryland

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Maryland

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Maryland, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Maryland's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with significant Jewish, Muslim, and other religious communities
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity is predominant, but a diverse range of religious beliefs are present

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Maryland

How Much Do Illinois to Maryland Movers Cost?

Moving 786 miles from Illinois to Maryland 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.