Kentucky to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Illinois

ConsKentucky

• Severe weather
• Rural isolation
• Limited public transport
• Fewer job options
• Lower cultural diversity

ProsIllinois

• Milder climate
• Urban opportunities
• Efficient transit systems
• Robust job market
• Rich cultural scene

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Illinois

• Busier lifestyle
• Higher expenses
• Urban sprawl
• Faster pace of life
• Different food styles

Kentucky

• Southern hospitality
• Lower cost of living
• Natural beauty
• Slower pace of life
• Local cuisine

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Illinois

• Say goodbye to severe weather and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Illinois with urban opportunities
• Swap the limited public transport of Kentucky for efficient transit systems in Illinois
• Get ready for a robust job market in Illinois

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern hospitality in Kentucky to live with a busier lifestyle in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher expenses
• Time to bid farewell to natural beauty and get used to urban sprawl in Illinois
• Swap a slower pace of life for a faster pace of life

Kentucky vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kentucky to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Hot Brown 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 BBQ Jackfruit 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 Kentucky eateries like Corbett's An American Place, 610 Magnolia, and The Brown Hotel. 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 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Illinois

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and scenic views, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transport and modern amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Kentucky.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
• Illinois housing costs are 28% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Kentucky's $201,332.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
• Rent in Illinois is 33.73% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Illinois. Illinois gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kentucky.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and tornadoes in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 29% more than those in Kentucky
• The COLI in Illinois is 7% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5% in KY
• The affluence in Illinois is higher compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to noticeable poverty in Kentucky
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Illinois

• Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as mixed but with a large Catholic community particularly in Chicago and surrounding areas
• Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant Baptist population

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Illinois

How Much Do Kentucky to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 409 miles from Kentucky 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.