Illinois to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Montana

ConsIllinois

• High property taxes
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Humid summer heat
• Flat landscapes
• High sales taxes
• Tollway expenses
• Crowded urban living
• Limited public lands
• Few outdoor adventures
• Light pollution
• Long commute times
• Industrial air pollution

ProsMontana

• Lower property taxes
• Light traffic
• Drier, cooler summers
• Mountain vistas
• No state sales tax
• No toll roads
• Low population density
• Vast public lands
• World-class recreation
• Dark night skies
• Shorter drive times
• Cleaner mountain air

---

Montana

• Limited transit options
• Fewer urban amenities
• Fewer direct flights
• Smaller job market
• Lower average wages
• Fewer specialists
• Fewer degree programs
• Smaller arts scene
• Limited cuisine variety
• Rural connectivity gaps
• Slower deliveries
• No major leagues
• Car-dependent living
• Colder, longer winters
• Limited rideshare coverage

Illinois

• Robust public transit
• Big-city amenities
• Major airport hub
• Larger job market
• Higher average salaries
• Top-tier healthcare
• Extensive universities
• Broad arts scene
• Varied dining options
• Widespread broadband
• Same-day services
• Professional sports teams
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Milder winter temps
• Rideshare availability

Pros of moving from Illinois to Montana

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Montana with light traffic
• Swap the humid summer heat of Illinois for drier, cooler summers in Montana
• Get ready for mountain vistas in Montana

Cons of moving from Illinois to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from robust public transit in Illinois to live with limited transit options in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of big-city amenities and have to settle for the con of fewer urban amenities
• Time to bid farewell to a major airport hub and get used to fewer direct flights in Montana
• Swap a larger job market for a smaller job market

Illinois vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious huckleberry pie of Montana. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Montana residents know they have tasty bison steak and elk burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style vegan pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the quinoa salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Aurelio's Pizza, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Uptown Cafe, Buck's T-4, and Andiamo Italian Grille.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Montana

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Mountain Style architecture typical of Montana.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like open spaces and natural views.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Montana is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Montana has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Montana housing costs are 77% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Montana is 19.51% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Montana. Montana gets 5% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Montana 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 wildfires and avalanches in Montana.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Montana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 12% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Montana will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in MT is no state income tax compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Montana is modest compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is manageable in Montana compared to noticeable in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is prevalent in Illinois and minimal in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Montana

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Montana, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
• Montana's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a strong Protestant presence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Catholic presence

How Much Do Illinois to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,379 miles from Illinois to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.