Minnesota to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Illinois

ConsMinnesota

• Cold, harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Higher taxes
• Less cultural diversity

ProsIllinois

• Milder winter temperatures
• Diverse job opportunities
• Potential lower cost of living
• Rich multicultural environment

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Illinois

• Less natural beauty
• More congested areas
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Higher crime rates

Minnesota

• Pristine lakes
• Friendly small towns
• Community-focused lifestyle
• Lower crime rates

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Illinois

• Say goodbye to cold, harsh winters and hello to milder winter temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Illinois with diverse job opportunities
• Swap the higher taxes of Minnesota for the potential lower cost of living in Illinois
• Get ready for a rich multicultural environment in Illinois

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from pristine lakes in Minnesota to live with less natural beauty in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly small towns and have to settle for the con of more congested areas
• Time to bid farewell to a community-focused lifestyle and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in Illinois
• Swap lower crime rates for higher crime rates

Minnesota vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Minnesota to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Jucy Lucy, 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 Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago Vegan Deep Dish of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Minnesota. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois, compared to what you are used to in Minnesota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Illinois

• The Prairie and Bungalow architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Georgian and Tudor architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and nature proximity, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like accessibility and downtown proximity.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Minnesota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Illinois is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Minnesota.
• Illinois housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
• Rent in Illinois is 5.06% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Illinois. Illinois gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and flooding in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 7% less than those in Minnesota
• The COLI in Illinois will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.35%–9.85% in MN
• The affluence in Illinois is varied compared to moderate affluence in Minnesota
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Minnesota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and high in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Illinois

• Minnesota tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as a Democratic stronghold
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with diverse denominations and a significant Catholic presence
• Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant Lutheran denomination presence

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Illinois

How Much Do Minnesota to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 624 miles from Minnesota 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.