Illinois to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to West Virginia

ConsIllinois

• Higher taxes
• Extreme weather
• Congestion
• High cost of living

ProsWest Virginia

• Lower cost of living
• Mild climate
• Simpler lifestyle
• Affordable housing

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West Virginia

• Limited urban amenities
• Fewer job prospects
• Less cultural diversity
• Dependence on cars

Illinois

• City amenities
• Job opportunities
• Diverse culture
• Public transportation

Pros of moving from Illinois to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to a lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from extreme weather and moving to West Virginia with a mild climate
• Swap the congestion of Illinois for a simpler lifestyle in West Virginia
• Get ready for affordable housing in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Illinois to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from city amenities in Illinois to live with limited urban amenities in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of job opportunities and have to settle for the con of fewer job prospects
• Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in West Virginia
• Swap public transportation for dependence on cars

Illinois vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog (Chicago-style), West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Pepperoni Roll to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style Vegan Deep Dish Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Chili of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Pies & Pints, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and West Virginia

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to transportation and modern amenities, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like nature views and spacious land.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• West Virginia housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in West Virginia is 42.94% more affordable than in Illinois.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Illinois and West Virginia

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Illinois to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Illinois.
• West Virginia 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 floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 5 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 13 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 29% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in West Virginia is 1% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in WV is 3.00 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. West Virginia

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a strong Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to West Virginia

How Much Do Illinois to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 596 miles from Illinois to West Virginia 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.