Kansas to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas to Illinois

ConsKansas

• Tornado risk
• Flat landscapes
• Extreme temperatures
• Limited public transit

ProsIllinois

• Fewer natural disasters
• Diverse geography
• Moderate climate
• Extensive train systems

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Illinois

• Higher expenses
• Congested highways
• Metropolitan lifestyle
• Less personal interaction

Kansas

• Low cost of living
• Fewer traffic issues
• Small-town feel
• Friendly community

Pros of moving from Kansas to Illinois

• Say goodbye to tornado risk and hello to fewer natural disasters
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Illinois with diverse geography
• Swap the extreme temperatures of Kansas for a moderate climate in Illinois
• Get ready for extensive train systems in Illinois

Cons of moving from Kansas to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Kansas to live with higher expenses in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of fewer traffic issues and have to settle with the con of congested highways
• Time to bid farewell to the small-town feel and get used to a metropolitan lifestyle in Illinois
• Swap a friendly community for less personal interaction

Kansas vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kansas to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Kansas for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Kansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Brisket and sumptuous BBQ Sandwich, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit BBQ 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 Kansas eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, and Slap's BBQ. 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 Kansas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois, compared to what you are used to in Kansas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kansas and Illinois

• The Ranch and Bungalow architecture that Kansas is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Victorian architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Kansas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and hardwood floors.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Kansas.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Kansas.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Kansas.
• Illinois housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Kansas, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Kansas’s $223,883.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 49% increase in Kansas.
• Rent in Illinois is 59.57% more expensive than in Kansas.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kansas to Illinois. Illinois gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Kansas.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kansas.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Kansas, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, floods, and severe winter weather in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 5 degrees colder than in Kansas.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Kansas.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Kansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kansas and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 11% more than those in Kansas
• The COLI in Illinois will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Kansas
• The state income tax in Illinois is 4.95% compared to 3.1% in Kansas
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Kansas
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Kansas
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kansas and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Kansas vs. Illinois

• Kansas tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as generally Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with large Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities
• Kansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majorly Protestant with a substantial Catholic community

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to Illinois

How Much Do Kansas to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 611 miles from Kansas to Illinois 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.