Illinois to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

ConsIllinois

• High taxes
• Dense urban areas
• Extreme weather shifts
• Traffic congestion
• High cost of living

ProsMinnesota

• Lower taxes
• More green spaces
• Moderate climate
• Less congestion
• More affordable living

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Minnesota

• Fewer job opportunities
• Less cultural variety
• Less historical features
• Limited public transit

Illinois

• Strong job market
• Diverse culture
• Rich history
• Public transit options

Pros of moving from Illinois to Minnesota

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from dense urban areas and moving to Minnesota with more green spaces
• Swap the extreme weather shifts of Illinois for a moderate climate in Minnesota
• Get ready for less congestion in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Illinois to Minnesota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong job market in Illinois to live with fewer job opportunities in Minnesota
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse culture and have to settle with the con of less cultural variety
• Time to bid farewell to a rich history and get used to fewer historical features in Minnesota
• Swap public transit options for limited public transit

Illinois vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy 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 Wild rice dishes of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Alinea, Giordano’s, and Portillo’s. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt’s Bar, Al’s Breakfast, and Butcher & the Boar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Minnesota

• The Prairie and Mid-Century Modern architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to transportation and outdoor spaces, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly attributes and locations near water bodies.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Minnesota is less walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Minnesota has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Minnesota housing costs are 28% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Minnesota is 4.82% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 2% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Minnesota has similar 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 tornadoes in Minnesota.
• The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 14 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Minnesota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 7% more than in Illinois
• The COLI in Minnesota will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in MN is 5.35 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Minnesota is moderate compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and low in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Minnesota

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democratic
• Minnesota's religious environment can be described as Christian (74%), Unaffiliated (20%) and Other (6%)
• Illinois's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (70%), Unaffiliated (22%) and Other (8%)

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Minnesota

How Much Do Illinois to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 629 miles from Illinois to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.