Illinois to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to North Carolina

ConsIllinois

• Harsh winters
• Higher taxes
• Dense urban areas
• Heavy traffic
• Limited beach access

ProsNorth Carolina

• Mild climate
• Lower cost of living
• Scenic landscapes
• Less congestion
• Coastal proximity

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North Carolina

• Fewer metropolises
• Education disparities
• Car dependency
• Limited teams
• Variety limitations

Illinois

• Cultural diversity
• Renowned universities
• Public transportation
• Professional sports
• Food scene

Pros of moving from Illinois to North Carolina

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to North Carolina with a lower cost of living
• Swap the dense urban areas of Illinois for scenic landscapes in North Carolina
• Get ready for less congestion in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Illinois to North Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Illinois to live with fewer metropolises in North Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of renowned universities and have to settle for the con of education disparities
• Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to car dependency in North Carolina
• Swap professional sports for limited teams

Illinois vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious pulled pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern NC barbecue and boiled peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style vegan deep-dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Smoky Mountain chili of North Carolina. 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 North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Chef & the Farmer, and Buxton Hall Barbecue.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and North Carolina

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and open floor plans.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Carolina is less walkable than Illinois.
• North Carolina is similarly bike-friendly to Illinois.
• North Carolina has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• North Carolina housing costs are 28% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in North Carolina is 1.07% more affordable than in Illinois.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Illinois and North Carolina

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 13% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• North Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in North Carolina.
• The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 3 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and North Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 12% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in North Carolina will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to a higher poverty level in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and lower in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. North Carolina

• Illinois tends to lean Democrat in its political climate
• North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• North Carolina's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with a notable Baptist presence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to North Carolina

How Much Do Illinois to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 807 miles from Illinois to North Carolina 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.