Illinois to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Wisconsin

ConsIllinois

• Very high property taxes
• Tollway expenses
• Costly car registration
• Congested traffic
• Longer commutes
• Higher housing costs
• Sticky summer humidity
• Fewer nearby lakes
• Limited outdoor trails
• Higher sales taxes
• Urban noise and crowds
• Limited hunting access
• Fewer snow sports

ProsWisconsin

• Slightly lower property taxes
• No toll roads
• Cheaper registration fees
• Lighter traffic
• Shorter commutes
• More affordable housing
• Cooler summer temps
• Thousands of lakes
• Extensive trail systems
• Lower sales taxes
• Quieter communities
• Abundant public lands
• Many snow sports

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Wisconsin

• Fewer direct flights
• Limited public transit
• Lower average wages
• Fewer job openings
• Fewer large events
• Smaller dining scene
• Fewer major teams
• Colder, snowier winters
• Shorter growing season
• More layovers
• Quieter nightlife
• Fewer corporate HQs
• Fewer major museums

Illinois

• Major international airport
• Extensive public transit
• Higher average salaries
• Bigger job market
• Large cultural scene
• Broad dining options
• More pro sports teams
• Warmer winter temps
• Longer growing season
• More nonstop flights
• Bustling nightlife
• Diverse industry hubs
• Dense museum network

Pros of moving from Illinois to Wisconsin

• Say goodbye to very high property taxes and hello to slightly lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from tollway expenses and moving to Wisconsin with no toll roads
• Swap the costly car registration of Illinois for cheaper registration fees in Wisconsin
• Get ready for lighter traffic in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Illinois to Wisconsin

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a major international airport in Illinois to live with fewer direct flights in Wisconsin
• You'll lose out on the pro of extensive public transit and have to settle for the con of limited public transit
• Time to bid farewell to higher average salaries and get used to lower average wages in Wisconsin
• Swap a bigger job market for fewer job openings

Illinois vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic deep-dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious cheese curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty bratwurst and fried cheese curds 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 vegetarian chili of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Cookery, Mader's, and Culver's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Wisconsin

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront views and spacious backyards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wisconsin is less walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Wisconsin housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased 47% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Wisconsin is 28.59% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
• Wisconsin 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 cold waves in Wisconsin.
• The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Wisconsin

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 7% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Wisconsin is 1% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is average in Wisconsin compared to notable in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Illinois and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Wisconsin

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with mixed denominations
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity being predominant

How Much Do Illinois to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 265 miles from Illinois to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.