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Illinois to Wyoming Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 1,136 mile interstate move from Illinois to Wyoming? This moving guide will help you compare living in Illinois vs Wyoming across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Deep-dish Pizza vs Bison Steak), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs ranch and log cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Illinois), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Deep-dish Pizza and Italian Beef Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Bison Steak & Elk Meatloaf
  • Wyoming housing costs are 32% more expensive than they are in Illinois
  • Rent in Wyoming is 37.22% more affordable than in Illinois
  • Moving from Illinois to Wyoming will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Illinois to Wyoming movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Illinois to Wyoming Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Wyoming

ConsIllinois iconIllinois
  • High Taxes
  • Traffic Congestion
  • Dense Population
  • Brutal Winters
  • Costly Real Estate
ProsWyoming iconWyoming
  • Lower Taxes
  • Less Traffic
  • Spacious Living
  • Mild Winters
  • Affordable Homes

Wyoming iconWyoming
  • Less Cultural Variety
  • Limited Job Market
  • Quiet Evenings
  • Lacking Historical Sites
  • Car-Dependent
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Job Opportunities
  • Vibrant Nightlife
  • Rich History
  • Public Transport

Pros of moving from Illinois to Wyoming

  • Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Wyoming with less traffic
  • Swap the dense population of Illinois for spacious living in Wyoming
  • Get ready for mild winters in Wyoming

Cons of moving from Illinois to Wyoming

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Illinois to live with less cultural variety in Wyoming
  • You'll lose out on the pro of job opportunities and have to settle with the con of a limited job market
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to quiet evenings in Wyoming
  • Swap rich history for a lack of historical sites

Illinois vs. Wyoming: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish PizzaBison Steak
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichElk Meatloaf
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogIndian Tacos
Most popular vegan foodDeep-dish Vegan PizzaVegan Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
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 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

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanRanch and Log Cabin
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, Granite countertopsMountain views, Proximity to outdoor activities
  • 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

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
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, FloodsWildfires, Snowstorms
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/65Β°F80Β°F/50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F/20Β°F32Β°F/15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3912.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2260
  • 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

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
Avg. Household Income$76,708$70,042
Cost of Living Index94.2598.75
State Income Tax4.95%0%
Avg. Property Tax2.27%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax8.81%5.36%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, AgricultureEnergy, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyMediumLow
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • 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

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningRepublican-leaning
Local PoliticsMixture of urban and rural interestsLargely rural with a strong focus on land and resource rights
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Roman Catholic presencePredominantly Protestant, with a strong evangelical influence
  • 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

ComparisonIllinoisWyoming
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
University of Wyoming
Colorado State University
University of Colorado
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLincoln Elementary School
Oak Park; Skinner North Classical School
Chicago; South Loop Elementary School
Chicago
Slade Elementary
Laramie; Cloud Peak Elementary
Buffalo; Meadowlark Elementary
Cheyenne
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPayton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Young Magnet High School
Chicago; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle
Laramie Middle School
Laramie; Sage Valley Junior High
Gillette; McCormick Junior High
Cheyenne
Top 3 High SchoolsNorthside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire; Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago
Central High School
Cheyenne; Laramie High School
Laramie; Sheridan High School
Sheridan
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest; Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Jackson Hole Community School
Jackson; Wyoming Catholic College
Lander; Cody Christian School
Cody
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFusion Academy Oak Brook
Oak Brook; Morgan Park Academy
Chicago; Roycemore School
Evanston
Jackson Hole Classical Academy
Jackson; St. Mary's Catholic School
Cheyenne; Trinity Lutheran School
Casper
Top 3 School DistrictsNew Trier Township High School District
Naperville Community Unit School District
Elmhurst City Schools
Teton County School District
Laramie County School District
Sheridan County School District

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.

  • 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$1,847300 ft3$6.16
1 Bedroom$2,747450 ft3$6.11
2 Bedrooms$4,541750 ft3$6.06
3 Bedrooms$6,6061100 ft3$6.01
4 Bedrooms$9,5281600 ft3$5.96
5+ Bedrooms$10,6291800 ft3$5.91

Top Illinois to Wyoming Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Illinois to Wyoming 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 Wyoming

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
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