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Indiana to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 268 mile interstate move from Indiana to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transit vs extensive transit networks), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (ranch vs prairie, chicago), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Illinois), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Hoosier Chili, but get your taste buds ready for Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef
  • Illinois housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Illinois is 29.75% more expensive than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Illinois will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

Indiana to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Illinois

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Stable job market
  • Lower state taxes
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Extensive transit networks
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Higher average income

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher property costs
  • High population density
  • Urban sprawl
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Affordable housing
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Natural beauty
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Indiana to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to limited public transit and hello to extensive transit networks
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer entertainment options and moving to Illinois with a vibrant cultural scene
  • Swap the stable job market of Indiana for diverse job opportunities in Illinois
  • Get ready for a higher average income in Illinois

Cons of moving from Indiana to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Indiana to live with higher property costs in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle with the con of high population density
  • Time to bid farewell to natural beauty and get used to urban sprawl in Illinois
  • Swap close-knit communities for a fast-paced lifestyle

Indiana vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishHoosier ChiliItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemSugar Cream PieChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQ RibsDeep Dish Vegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Milky Way
  • 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 Indiana to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Hoosier Chili and sumptuous Sugar Cream Pie, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ Ribs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Deep Dish Vegan Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Milky Way. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Illinois

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleRanchPrairie, Chicago
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 listingSpacious backyards, quiet neighborhoodsEco-friendly features, proximity to transit
  • The Ranch architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and quiet neighborhoods, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and proximity to transit.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Indiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Illinois housing costs are 9% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Illinois is 29.75% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6485/65
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36/1835/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4239
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2224
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to Illinois. Illinois gets 2% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Illinois

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
Avg. Household Income$66,785$76,708
Cost of Living Index92.9594.25
State Income Tax3.23%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax0.87%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax7%8.81%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareFinance, Manufacturing, Real Estate
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 15% more than in Indiana
  • The COLI in Illinois will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in Illinois is higher compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate poverty in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and higher in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Illinois

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in Rural AreasDemocratic Stronghold in Urban Centers
ReligionHigher evangelical Christian presenceGreater diversity in religious beliefs
  • Indiana tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as having greater diversity in religious beliefs
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher evangelical Christian presence

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Illinois

ComparisonIndianaIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
Ball State University
University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSchool 84
Indianapolis
School 91
Indianapolis
West Clay Elementary
Carmel
Lincoln Elementary
River Forest
South Park Elementary
Deerfield
Willowbrook Elementary
Glenview
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Lafayette Jr/Sr High
West Lafayette
Brown County Junior High
Nashville
Fall Creek Junior High
Fishers
Marie Murphy School
Wilmette
Twin Groves Middle School
Buffalo Grove
Maple School
Northbrook
Top 3 High School SchoolsCarmel High School
Carmel
Signature School
Evansville
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High
West Lafayette
Northside College Prep
Chicago
Payton College Prep
Chicago
Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Top 3 private high schoolsCulver Academies
Culver
Park Tudor School
Indianapolis
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTraders Point Christian Academy
Whitestown
Heritage Christian School
Indianapolis
Park Tudor School
Indianapolis
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Lake Forest Country Day School
Lake Forest
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools
Carmel
West Lafayette Community School Corporation
West Lafayette
Zionsville Community Schools
Zionsville
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
North Shore School District 112
Highland Park
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville

How Much Do Indiana to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 268 miles from Indiana to Illinois 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,354300 ft3$4.51
1 Bedroom$2,009450 ft3$4.46
2 Bedrooms$3,311750 ft3$4.41
3 Bedrooms$4,8011100 ft3$4.36
4 Bedrooms$6,9041600 ft3$4.31
5+ Bedrooms$7,6771800 ft3$4.26

Top Indiana to Illinois Movers

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

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Indiana to Illinois

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

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details