Illinois to Oklahoma Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Oklahoma

ConsIllinois

• High cost of living
• Harsh winters
• Traffic congestion
• High taxes

ProsOklahoma

• Lower housing costs
• Milder weather
• Less traffic
• Lower taxes

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Oklahoma

• Fewer cultural attractions
• Limited job opportunities
• Lack of public transport
• Fewer higher education options

Illinois

• Rich cultural scene
• Vibrant job market
• Excellent public transit
• Renowned universities

Pros of moving from Illinois to Oklahoma

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing costs
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Oklahoma with milder weather
• Swap the traffic congestion of Illinois for less traffic in Oklahoma
• Get ready for lower taxes in Oklahoma

Cons of moving from Illinois to Oklahoma

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural scene in Illinois to live with fewer cultural attractions in Oklahoma
• You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant job market and have to settle with the con of limited job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to excellent public transit and get used to the lack of public transport in Oklahoma
• Swap renowned universities for fewer higher education options

Illinois vs. Oklahoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Oklahoma, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious chicken fried steak of Oklahoma. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous hot dog, Oklahoma residents know they have tasty barbecue brisket and Indian taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the deep dish vegan pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegetarian chili of Oklahoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Oklahoma, don't wait too long before making your way to Oklahoma's acclaimed eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Joe's BBQ.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Oklahoma

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Ranch architecture typical of Oklahoma.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference nearby public transit and green spaces, Oklahoma real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and storm shelters.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Oklahoma is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Oklahoma is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Oklahoma has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Oklahoma housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $203,455 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oklahoma have increased by 50% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Oklahoma is 27.47% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Oklahoma. Oklahoma gets 18% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Oklahoma has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hailstorms in Oklahoma.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Oklahoma is 9 degrees warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Oklahoma. Oklahoma receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Oklahoma

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oklahoma tend to earn about 22% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Oklahoma will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in OK is 5.00% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Oklahoma is modest compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is higher in Oklahoma compared to moderate poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Illinois and limited in Oklahoma

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Oklahoma

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Oklahoma, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• Oklahoma's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with strong evangelical influence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, Christian majority with significant Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Oklahoma

How Much Do Illinois to Oklahoma Movers Cost?

Moving 684 miles from Illinois to Oklahoma 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.