Massachusetts to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Illinois

ConsMassachusetts

• Long winters
• High living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Limited open space
• Higher taxes

ProsIllinois

• Milder winters
• Affordable housing
• Smoother commute
• More parks
• Lower taxes

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Illinois

• Fewer historical sites
• Average education system
• Landlocked state
• Less diverse areas
• Limited seafood options

Massachusetts

• Rich history
• Excellent schools
• Beautiful coastline
• Cultural diversity
• Renowned seafood

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Illinois

• Say goodbye to long winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from high living costs and moving to Illinois with affordable housing
• Swap the traffic congestion of Massachusetts for a smoother commute in Illinois
• Get ready for more parks in Illinois

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Massachusetts to live with fewer historical sites in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of excellent schools and have to settle for the con of an average education system
• Time to bid farewell to the beautiful coastline and get used to a landlocked state in Illinois
• Swap cultural diversity for less diverse areas

Massachusetts vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Codfish Balls, 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 Samphire Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago Diner’s Vegan Shake of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Summer Shack. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Illinois

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Ranch architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transit and granite countertops, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and spacious backyards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Illinois is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Illinois is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• Illinois has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• Illinois housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in Illinois is 31.04% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Illinois. Illinois gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Illinois.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows in Illinois are 2 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 19% less than those in Massachusetts
• The COLI in Illinois is 22% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.0% in MA
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Illinois

• Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic-leaning
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a strong Catholic presence but a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Illinois

How Much Do Massachusetts to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,099 miles from Massachusetts to Illinois 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.