Illinois to Wyoming Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Wyoming

ConsIllinois

• High property taxes
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Humid summer heat
• Crowded urban living
• Limited mountain scenery
• Fewer public lands
• Tollway expenses
• Emissions testing
• Light pollution
• Industrial pollution
• Higher sales taxes
• Parking frustrations
• Long commute times
• Higher crime rates
• Flat landscapes
• Congested trails

ProsWyoming

• No state income tax
• Lighter traffic
• Drier summer air
• Wide open spaces
• Iconic mountain views
• Vast public lands
• Few toll roads
• Fewer vehicle requirements
• Dark night skies
• Cleaner air quality
• Lower sales taxes
• Easy parking
• Shorter commutes
• Lower crime rates
• Outdoor adventure hub
• Uncrowded trails

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Wyoming

• Limited transit options
• Fewer job openings
• Fewer museums
• Limited dining variety
• Fewer pro teams
• No Great Lake beaches
• Fewer large events
• Fewer flight options
• Fewer universities
• Fewer hospitals
• Longer drives
• Limited retail choice
• Quieter nightlife
• Colder winter temps
• Altitude adjustment
• Patchy rural internet
• Smaller professional circles
• No intercity rail
• Fewer concert venues
• Limited ride-hailing

Illinois

• Extensive public transit
• Major job market
• World-class museums
• Diverse dining scene
• Big sports teams
• Lake Michigan beaches
• Cultural festivals
• International airport hub
• Top universities
• Nearby healthcare choices
• Shorter travel distances
• Robust shopping
• Nightlife variety
• Warmer winter temps
• Lower elevation breathing
• Broadband availability
• Broader professional networks
• Access to rail travel
• Entertainment venues
• Ride-hailing availability

Pros of moving from Illinois to Wyoming

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to no state income tax
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Wyoming with lighter traffic
• Swap the humid summer heat of Illinois for drier summer air in Wyoming
• Get ready for wide open spaces in Wyoming

Cons of moving from Illinois to Wyoming

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from extensive public transit in Illinois to live with limited transit options in Wyoming
• You'll lose out on the pro of a major job market and have to settle for the con of fewer job openings
• Time to bid farewell to world-class museums and get used to fewer museums in Wyoming
• Swap a diverse dining scene for limited dining variety

Illinois vs. Wyoming: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Wyoming, you will be trading the iconic Deep-dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Bison Steak of Wyoming. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Wyoming residents know they have tasty Elk Meatloaf and Indian Tacos 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 Vegan Chili of Wyoming. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Wyoming, don't wait too long before making your way to Wyoming's acclaimed eateries like King’s Saddleery, Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel, and Sheridan Inn.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Wyoming

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Log Cabin architecture typical of Wyoming.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Wyoming real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wyoming is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Wyoming is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Wyoming has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Wyoming housing costs are 32% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $340,933 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wyoming have increased by 40% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Wyoming is 37.22% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Wyoming. Wyoming gets 17% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Wyoming has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and snowstorms in Wyoming.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wyoming is 5 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Wyoming. Wyoming receives 26.1 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Wyoming

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wyoming tend to earn about 9% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in Wyoming will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• Hooray, moving to WY means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Wyoming is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in Wyoming compared to medium poverty in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Illinois and minimal in Wyoming

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Wyoming

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Wyoming, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• Wyoming's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant with a strong evangelical influence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant Roman Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Wyoming

How Much Do Illinois to Wyoming Movers Cost?

Moving 1,136 miles from Illinois to Wyoming 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.