Maryland to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to Illinois

ConsMaryland

• High living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Hot, humid summers
• Dense urban areas

ProsIllinois

• Lower housing prices
• Improved public transport
• Milder summer weather
• More open spaces

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Illinois

• Fewer historical sites
• No coastline
• Limited seafood options
• Harsher winter weather

Maryland

• Rich history
• Chesapeake Bay access
• Variety of seafood
• Mild winters

Pros of moving from Maryland to Illinois

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower housing prices
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Illinois with improved public transport
• Swap the hot, humid summers of Maryland for milder summer weather in Illinois
• Get ready for more open spaces in Illinois

Cons of moving from Maryland to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Maryland to live with fewer historical sites in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of Chesapeake Bay access and have to settle for the con of no coastline
• Time to bid farewell to the variety of seafood and get used to limited seafood options in Illinois
• Swap mild winters for harsher winter weather

Maryland vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Maryland to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Crab Cakes of Maryland for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Pit Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Hot Dog (Chicago style) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Bertha's Mussels, Charm City Cakes, and Phillips Seafood. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and Illinois

• The Colonial architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Prairie School architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and luxury kitchens, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like historical significance and modern upgrades.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Illinois is less walkable than Maryland.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Maryland.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Maryland.
• Illinois housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Maryland’s $414,972.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
• Rent in Illinois is 6.15% more affordable than in Maryland.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maryland to Illinois. Illinois gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Maryland.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Maryland.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Maryland, 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 Maryland.
• The average winter lows in Illinois are 7 degrees colder than they are in Maryland.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 5.3 fewer inches of rain compared to Maryland.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 19% less than in Maryland
• The COLI in Illinois will be 25% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.75% in MD
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to wealthy in Maryland
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Maryland
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maryland and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. Illinois

• Maryland tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with a mix of other faiths represented
• Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity prominent, with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Illinois

How Much Do Maryland to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 797 miles from Maryland to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.