Maine to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Illinois

ConsMaine

• Harsh winters
• Limited job opportunities
• Rural isolation
• Fewer cultural events

ProsIllinois

• Milder temperatures
• Thriving job market
• Urban connectivity
• Vibrant arts scene

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Illinois

• Flat terrains
• Limited seafood options
• City noise
• Higher crime rates

Maine

• Scenic landscapes
• Fresh seafood
• Peaceful environment
• Low crime rates

Pros of moving from Maine to Illinois

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Illinois with a thriving job market
• Swap the rural isolation of Maine for urban connectivity in Illinois
• Get ready for a vibrant arts scene in Illinois

Cons of moving from Maine to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic landscapes in Maine to live with flat terrains in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of fresh seafood and have to settle for the con of limited seafood options
• Time to bid farewell to a peaceful environment and get used to city noise in Illinois
• Swap low crime rates for higher crime rates

Maine vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Maine to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Maine for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Lobster and sumptuous Italian 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 Blueberry Cobbler they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Deep-fried Artichoke of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, and Duckfat. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Alinea, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Illinois

• The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Ranch architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and private features, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like suburban and spacious.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Maine.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Maine.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Maine.
• Illinois housing costs are 34% less expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
• Rent in Illinois is 3.62% more affordable than in Maine.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maine to Illinois. Illinois gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Maine.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maine.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and ice storms in Maine, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 15 degrees warmer than in Maine.
• The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Maine.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 10% more than in Maine
• The COLI in Illinois is 19% lower than what you are used to living in Maine
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 7.15% in ME
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Maine
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in Maine
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Maine and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Illinois

• Maine tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Catholic presence
• Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely secular with a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Illinois

How Much Do Maine to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,234 miles from Maine to Illinois will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.