Illinois to Nebraska Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Nebraska

ConsIllinois

• Heavy traffic congestion
• Frequent toll roads
• Higher housing costs
• Expensive parking fees
• Higher sales taxes
• Higher gas prices
• Muggy summer humidity
• Urban noise and bustle
• Urban crime hotspots
• Crowded city living
• Lake-effect snowstorms
• Emissions testing required

ProsNebraska

• Lighter, easier commutes
• No toll highways
• More affordable homes
• Cheap or free parking
• Lower sales taxes
• Cheaper gasoline
• Drier summer air
• Quieter, slower pace
• Lower crime rates
• More open space
• No lake-effect snow
• No emissions testing

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Nebraska

• Limited public transit
• No major pro teams
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer direct flights
• Lower average wages
• Quieter nightlife
• Fewer dining options
• More car-dependent
• No Great Lakes shore
• Smaller event scene
• Fewer specialists
• Fewer job openings

Illinois

• Robust public transit
• Major pro sports
• World-class museums
• Global flight options
• Higher average wages
• Vibrant nightlife
• Culinary variety
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Lakefront beaches
• Big festivals
• Top-tier hospitals
• Dense job market

Pros of moving from Illinois to Nebraska

• Say goodbye to heavy traffic congestion and hello to lighter and easier commutes
• Look forward to moving away from frequent toll roads and moving to Nebraska with no toll highways
• Swap the higher housing costs of Illinois for more affordable homes in Nebraska
• Get ready for cheap or free parking in Nebraska

Cons of moving from Illinois to Nebraska

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from robust public transit in Illinois to live with limited public transit in Nebraska
• You'll lose out on the pro of major pro sports and have to settle with the con of no major pro teams
• Time to bid farewell to world-class museums and get used to fewer major museums in Nebraska
• Swap global flight options for fewer direct flights

Illinois vs. Nebraska: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Nebraska, you will be trading the iconic Deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Runza of Nebraska. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Nebraska residents know they have tasty Beef Steak and Cheesesteak to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago Vegan Deep Dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Steaks of Nebraska. 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 Nebraska, don't wait too long before making your way to Nebraska's acclaimed eateries like Runza, Misty's Steakhouse, and Morrill Hall.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Nebraska

• The Prairie and Ranch architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Nebraska.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference 'near public transport' and 'parks nearby', Nebraska real estate listings often highlight features like 'spacious yards' and 'quiet neighborhoods'.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Nebraska is less walkable than Illinois.
• Nebraska is similarly bike-friendly to Illinois.
• Nebraska has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Nebraska housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $257,167 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Nebraska have increased by 47% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Nebraska is 27.07% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Nebraska. Nebraska gets 16% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Nebraska 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 tornadoes and blizzards in Nebraska.
• The average summer high temperature in Nebraska is 2 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows in Nebraska are 7 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Nebraska. Nebraska receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Nebraska

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Nebraska tend to earn about 9% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Nebraska is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in Nebraska is 6.84% compared to 4.95% in Illinois
• The affluence in Nebraska is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is minimal in Nebraska compared to significant poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Illinois and rare in Nebraska

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Nebraska

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Nebraska, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• Nebraska's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant Catholic presence

How Much Do Illinois to Nebraska Movers Cost?

Moving 652 miles from Illinois to Nebraska 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.