Illinois to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Michigan

ConsIllinois

• High taxes
• Traffic congestion
• Expensive housing
• Crowded cities
• Flat landscapes

ProsMichigan

• Lower taxes
• Less traffic
• Affordable housing
• Spacious living
• Scenic nature

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Michigan

• Fewer job options
• Less sports scene
• Limited cuisine
• Less historical depth
• Car dependent

Illinois

• Job opportunities
• Sports culture
• Diverse food scene
• Rich history
• Public transport

Pros of moving from Illinois to Michigan

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Michigan with less traffic
• Swap the expensive housing of Illinois for affordable housing in Michigan
• Get ready for spacious living in Michigan

Cons of moving from Illinois to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from job opportunities in Illinois to live with fewer job options in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of a sports culture and have to settle for the con of a less vibrant sports scene
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse food scene and get used to limited cuisine in Michigan
• Swap a rich history for less historical depth

Illinois vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Detroit-style Pizza of Michigan. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh of Michigan. 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 Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Bell's Eccentric Café.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Michigan

• The Prairie School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Bungalow and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront properties and garages.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Michigan is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Michigan is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Michigan has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Michigan housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Michigan is 17.15% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to Michigan. Michigan gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
• Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and some tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 13% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Michigan is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to moderate poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and low in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Michigan

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as Christian, non-religious, with smaller Jewish and Muslim communities
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian, non-religious, Jewish, and Muslim

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Michigan

How Much Do Illinois to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 406 miles from Illinois to Michigan 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.