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Illinois to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 655 mile interstate move from Illinois to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in Illinois vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Deep-dish pizza vs Catfish), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs colonial revival and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Illinois), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Deep-dish pizza and Italian Beef, but get your taste buds ready for Catfish & Pulled pork BBQ
  • Mississippi housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in Illinois
  • Rent in Mississippi is 21.80% more affordable than in Illinois
  • Moving from Illinois to Mississippi will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Illinois to Mississippi movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Illinois to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Mississippi

ConsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Dense traffic
  • High cost of living
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Mild winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Less congestion
  • Affordable living
  • Natural beauty

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Fewer job options
  • Less diversity
  • Limited transit options
  • Fewer higher education options
  • Hotter, humid summers
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Job opportunities
  • Cultural diversity
  • Public transportation
  • Renowned universities
  • Varied climates

Pros of moving from Illinois to Mississippi

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Mississippi with lower taxes
  • Swap the dense traffic of Illinois for less congestion in Mississippi
  • Get ready for affordable living in Mississippi

Cons of moving from Illinois to Mississippi

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from job opportunities in Illinois to live with fewer job options in Mississippi
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle with the con of less diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to limited transit options in Mississippi
  • Swap renowned universities for fewer higher education options

Illinois vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaCatfish
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefPulled pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTamales
Most popular vegan foodSeitan dishesBlack-eyed pea hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Mayflower Cafe
  • Weidmann's
  • Bully's Restaurant
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Illinois to Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous hot dogs, Mississippi residents know they have tasty pulled pork BBQ and tamales 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 black-eyed pea hummus of Mississippi. 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 Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like Mayflower Cafe, Weidmann's, and Bully's Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Mississippi

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanColonial Revival and Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Chicago, energy-efficient appliancesLarge lots, historic homes
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Victorian architecture typical of Mississippi.
  • Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Chicago and energy-efficient appliances, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and historic homes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Mississippi is less walkable than Illinois.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Mississippi is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
  • Mississippi has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
  • Mississippi housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
  • Rent in Mississippi is 21.80% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Days of Sunshine per Year189 days211 days
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, floodsHurricanes, tornadoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 65Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F / 20Β°F56Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)39 inches59 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22 inches1 inch
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 12% more sunshine days than Illinois.
  • Mississippi has higher 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 tornadoes in Mississippi.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 6 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Mississippi

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Avg. Household Income$76,708$52,719
Cost of Living Index94.2592.1
State Income Tax4.95%4%
Avg. Property Tax2.27%0.81%
Avg. Sales Tax8.82%7%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, FinanceAgriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessManageableUncommon
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 31% less than in Illinois
  • The COLI in Mississippi will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
  • The state income tax in MS is 4% compared to 4.95% in IL
  • The affluence in Mississippi is modest compared to moderate in Illinois
  • The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to moderate in Illinois
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Illinois and uncommon in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Mississippi

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsUrban areas more liberalRural, with conservative values
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic presencePrimarily Protestant, with a strong Baptist presence
  • Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Mississippi's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a strong Baptist presence
  • Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Mississippi

ComparisonIllinoisMississippi
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLincoln Elementary School
Springfield; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago; Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
Mannsdale Elementary School
Madison; Madison Station Elementary School
Madison; Eastside Elementary School
Clinton
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWoodlawn Middle School
Long Grove; Maple School
Northbrook; Daniel Wright Junior High School
Lincolnshire
Olde Towne Middle School
Ridgeland; Madison Middle School
Madison; Northwest Rankin Middle School
Flowood
Top 3 High SchoolsAdlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; New Trier High School
Winnetka; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Madison Central High School
Madison; Ocean Springs High School
Ocean Springs; Lewisburg High School
Olive Branch
Top 3 private high schoolsIllinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora; University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson; Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison; Presbyterian Christian School
Hattiesburg
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLatin School of Chicago
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; Elgin Academy
Elgin
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Ridgeland; Jackson Academy
Jackson; Heritage Academy
Columbus
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Trier Township High School District 203; Naperville Community Unit School District 203; Community High School District 128Madison County School District; Clinton Public School District; Rankin County School District

How Much Do Illinois to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 655 miles from Illinois to Mississippi 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,574300 ft3$5.25
1 Bedroom$2,338450 ft3$5.20
2 Bedrooms$3,860750 ft3$5.15
3 Bedrooms$5,6061100 ft3$5.10
4 Bedrooms$8,0741600 ft3$5.05
5+ Bedrooms$8,9931800 ft3$5.00

Top Illinois to Mississippi Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Illinois to Mississippi movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Illinois to Mississippi

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
A1 Movers, Inc featured image

A1 Movers, Inc

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Illinois to Mississippi Routes

Chicago to Mississippi

Aurora to Mississippi

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