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Illinois to Vermont Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 1,082 mile interstate move from Illinois to Vermont? This moving guide will help you compare living in Illinois vs Vermont across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs scenic landscapes), food & health (like Deep-dish pizza vs Maple syrup), real estate & housing (prairie and chicago school vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Vermont), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Maple syrup & Maple-cured ham
  • Vermont housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Illinois
  • Rent in Vermont is 17.49% more expensive than in Illinois
  • Moving from Illinois to Vermont will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Illinois to Vermont movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Illinois to Vermont Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Vermont

ConsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Harsh winters
  • High property taxes
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsVermont iconVermont
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Lower tax burden
  • Less crowded roads
  • Abundant outdoor recreation

Vermont iconVermont
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer urban attractions
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural history
  • Robust public transit
  • Numerous entertainment options

Pros of moving from Illinois to Vermont

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to scenic landscapes
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Vermont with a lower tax burden
  • Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Illinois for less crowded roads in Vermont
  • Get ready for abundant outdoor recreation in Vermont

Cons of moving from Illinois to Vermont

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Illinois to live with fewer job opportunities in Vermont
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural history and have to settle with the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to robust public transit and get used to limited public transportation in Vermont
  • Swap numerous entertainment options for fewer urban attractions

Illinois vs. Vermont: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaMaple syrup
Most popular meat dishItalian beef sandwichMaple-cured ham
Most popular street food itemChicago-style hot dogMaple creemee
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian deep-dish pizzaMaple glazed vegetables
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Illinois to Vermont, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious maple syrup of Vermont. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Vermont residents know they have tasty maple-cured ham and maple creemee to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegetarian deep-dish pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the maple-glazed vegetables of Vermont. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Vermont, don't wait too long before making your way to Vermont's acclaimed eateries like Hen of the Wood, Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge, and The Maple Creemee Stand.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Vermont

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and Chicago SchoolColonial and Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, stainless steel appliancesNatural woodwork, access to nature
  • The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Vermont.
  • Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, Vermont real estate listings often highlight features like natural woodwork and access to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Vermont is less walkable than Illinois.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Vermont is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
  • Vermont has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
  • Vermont housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $381,042 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Vermont have increased by 50% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
  • Rent in Vermont is 17.49% more expensive than in Illinois.

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

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/65Β°F80Β°F/59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F/18Β°F27Β°F/10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3937
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2289
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to Vermont. Vermont gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
  • Vermont has higher 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 snowstorms and floods in Vermont.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Vermont is 5 degrees colder than Illinois.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Vermont. Vermont receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Vermont

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Avg. Household Income$76,708$73,991
Cost of Living Index94.25120.5
State Income Tax4.95%8.75%
Avg. Property Tax2.16%1.91%
Avg. Sales Tax8.83%6.24%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, AgricultureAgriculture, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableMinimal
HomelessnessModerateRare
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Vermont tend to earn about 4% less than in Illinois
  • The COLI in Vermont is 28% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
  • The state income tax in VT is 8.75% compared to 4.95% in IL
  • The affluence in Vermont is moderate compared to moderate in Illinois
  • The poverty level is minimal in Vermont compared to noticeable in Illinois
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and rare in Vermont

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Vermont

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Political Make-upDiverse, with a strong Democratic presence in urban areas like ChicagoLiberal, with a consistent leaning towards Democratic candidates in statewide and national elections
Local PoliticsMix of Democrats and Republicans, with significant political activity in ChicagoProgressive, with active involvement in local issues and a tendency toward environmental and social justice causes
ReligionA mix of religious beliefs, with a significant Catholic populationLess religiously affiliated overall, with a higher percentage of non-religious residents
  • Illinois tends to lean diverse, with a strong Democratic presence in urban areas like Chicago in its political climate
  • Vermont, on the other hand, is often described as liberal, with a consistent leaning towards Democratic candidates in statewide and national elections
  • Vermont's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated overall, with a higher percentage of non-religious residents
  • Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of religious beliefs, with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Vermont

ComparisonIllinoisVermont
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Vermont
Middlebury College
Champlain College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLincoln Elementary
Glenview; South Loop Elementary
Chicago; Meadowbrook Elementary
Northbrook
Richmond Elementary
Richmond; Orchard School
South Burlington; Jericho Elementary
Jericho
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMaple School
Northbrook; Kennedy Junior High
Lisle; Daniel Wright Junior High
Lincolnshire
Shelburne Community School
Shelburne; Albert D. Lawton Intermediate
Essex Junction; Williston Central School
Williston
Top 3 High SchoolsAdlai E. Stevenson High
Lincolnshire; Northside College Prep
Chicago; New Trier High
Winnetka
Champlain Valley Union High
Hinesburg; Essex High
Essex; South Burlington High
South Burlington
Top 3 private high schoolsLake Forest Academy
Lake Forest; University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
The Putney School
Putney; Burr and Burton Academy
Manchester; St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest; Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
The Putney School
Putney; St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury; Vermont Academy
Saxtons River
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Trier Township HSD 203
Northfield; Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville; Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
Chittenden South Supervisory Union
Shelburne; Essex Town School District
Essex; South Burlington School District
South Burlington

How Much Do Illinois to Vermont Movers Cost?

Moving 1,082 miles from Illinois to Vermont will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,816300 ft3$6.05
1 Bedroom$2,701450 ft3$6.00
2 Bedrooms$4,465750 ft3$5.95
3 Bedrooms$6,4931100 ft3$5.90
4 Bedrooms$9,3651600 ft3$5.85
5+ Bedrooms$10,4451800 ft3$5.80

Top Illinois to Vermont Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Illinois to Vermont movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Illinois to Vermont

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
A1 Movers, Inc featured image

A1 Movers, Inc

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Illinois to Vermont Routes

Chicago to Vermont

Aurora to Vermont

    Naperville to Vermont