Illinois to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to New Jersey

ConsIllinois

• Brutal winters
• High property taxes
• Flat terrain
• Limited beach access
• Dense urban areas

ProsNew Jersey

• Milder climate
• Stronger job market
• Diverse landscapes
• Jersey Shore beaches
• Proximity to NYC

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New Jersey

• Higher cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Limited public transport
• Costlier dining options
• Noisy urban life

Illinois

• Rich cultural history
• Renowned museums
• Wide-open spaces
• Famous deep-dish pizza
• Vibrant music scene

Pros of moving from Illinois to New Jersey

• Say goodbye to brutal winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to New Jersey with a stronger job market
• Swap the flat terrain of Illinois for diverse landscapes in New Jersey
• Get ready for Jersey Shore beaches in New Jersey

Cons of moving from Illinois to New Jersey

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural history in Illinois to live with a higher cost of living in New Jersey
• You'll lose out on the pro of renowned museums and have to settle for the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to wide-open spaces and get used to limited public transport in New Jersey
• Swap famous deep-dish pizza for costlier dining options

Illinois vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich of New Jersey. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Pork Roll and Salt Water Taffy 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 Jersey Fresh Tomato Salad of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like Carlo’s Bakery, Don’s Deli, and Highlawn Pavilion.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and New Jersey

• The Prairie School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of New Jersey.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and basements, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to transit and open floor plans.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; New Jersey is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; New Jersey is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• New Jersey has more of an urban feel than Illinois.
• New Jersey housing costs are 99% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in New Jersey is 40.02% more expensive than in Illinois.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Illinois and New Jersey

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 9% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• New Jersey 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey.
• The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is the same as Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and New Jersey

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 26% more than those in Illinois
• The COLI in New Jersey will be 38% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in NJ is 10.75% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and low in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. New Jersey

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• New Jersey's religious environment can be described as Christian and Jewish communities
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian and Non-affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to New Jersey

How Much Do Illinois to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 892 miles from Illinois to New Jersey 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.