Illinois to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

ConsIllinois

• High taxes
• Harsh winters
• Heavy traffic in Chicago
• Flat landscapes

ProsPennsylvania

• Lower taxes
• Milder winters
• Less congestion
• Varied terrains

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Pennsylvania

• Limited public transit
• Higher utility costs
• Rainy climate
• Slightly higher cost of living

Illinois

• Renowned universities
• Professional sports teams
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Diverse job market

Pros of moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Pennsylvania with milder winters
• Swap the heavy traffic in Chicago, Illinois for less congestion in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for varied terrains in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from renowned universities in Illinois to live with limited public transit in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of professional sports teams and have to settle with the con of higher utility costs
• Time to bid farewell to a vibrant cultural scene and get used to the rainy climate in Pennsylvania
• Swap a diverse job market for a slightly higher cost of living

Illinois vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Zahav, Primanti Bros., and Geno's Steaks.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Pennsylvania

• The Prairie School and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Federal architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Chicago, modern kitchens, and hardwood floors, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details, access to nature, and spacious backyards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 15.25% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
• Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 6% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Pennsylvania is 6% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to mixed in Illinois
• The poverty level is mixed in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Illinois and manageable in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Pennsylvania

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Christianity
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity

How Much Do Illinois to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 733 miles from Illinois to Pennsylvania 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.