Movers

North Carolina to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 807 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity levels vs mild summer climate), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Deep-Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs prairie, mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Illinois), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern NC BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Deep-Dish Pizza & Italian Beef
  • Illinois housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Illinois is 1.08% more expensive than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Illinois will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Illinois movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Illinois

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Humidity levels
  • Hurricane threats
  • Fewer public transit options
  • Limited job market diversity
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Mild summer climate
  • No hurricane worries
  • Robust public transportation
  • Broader job opportunities

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Longer winter season
  • Higher taxes
  • Higher population density
  • Further from ocean
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Nature accessibility
  • Lower cost of living
  • Friendly southern culture
  • Proximity to beaches

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to humidity levels and hello to a mild summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane threats and moving to Illinois with no hurricane worries
  • Swap the fewer public transit options of North Carolina for robust public transportation in Illinois
  • Get ready for broader job opportunities in Illinois

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from nature accessibility in North Carolina to live with a longer winter season in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher taxes
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly southern culture and get used to a higher population density in Illinois
  • Swap proximity to beaches for being further from the ocean

North Carolina vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQDeep-Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BBQItalian Beef
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodSweet Potato & Black Bean BurgerVegan Deep-Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
    • Portillo's
    • Alinea
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Chef and the Farmer, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. 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 North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Illinois

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPrairie, Mid-Century Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, garagesHistorical details, proximity to public transit
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garages, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like historical details and proximity to public transit.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Illinois housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Illinois is 1.08% more expensive than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Illinois

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, stormsTornadoes, storms
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F35Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"39"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Illinois. Illinois gets 11% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and storms in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Illinois

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Avg. Household Income$67,481$76,708
Cost of Living Index95.8594.25
State Income Tax5.254.95
Avg. Property Tax0.772.27
Avg. Sales Tax6.988.83
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceFinance, Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 14% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Illinois is 2% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.25 in NC
  • The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Illinois

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly conservativeLeans liberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsVaries by region, with urban areas more liberal and rural areas more conservativeUrban areas (like Chicago) are strongly liberal, while some rural areas can be more conservative
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a diverse range of practicesReligiously diverse, with a significant Christian population alongside other faiths
  • North Carolina tends to lean mixed and leans slightly conservative in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning liberal, especially in urban areas
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a significant Christian population alongside other faiths
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with a diverse range of practices

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Illinois

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina
NC State University
Duke University
University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Alderman Elementary (Greensboro)
Lincoln Elementary (River Forest)
South Park Elementary (Deerfield)
Willowbrook Elementary (Glenview)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte)
Smith Middle (Chapel Hill)
Ligon Middle (Raleigh)
Daniel Wright Junior High (Lincolnshire)
Clarendon Hills Middle (Clarendon Hills)
Kennedy Junior High (Lisle)
Top 3 High SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Myers Park High (Charlotte)
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Top 3 private high schoolsCary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
University of Chicago Lab School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRavenscroft School (Raleigh)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Cary Christian School (Cary)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
North Shore Country Day (Winnetka)
Morgan Park Academy (Chicago)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield Township High School District 225
Naperville Community Unit School District 203

How Much Do North Carolina to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 807 miles from North Carolina 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,660300 ft3$5.53
1 Bedroom$2,467450 ft3$5.48
2 Bedrooms$4,075750 ft3$5.43
3 Bedrooms$5,9221100 ft3$5.38
4 Bedrooms$8,5331600 ft3$5.33
5+ Bedrooms$9,5101800 ft3$5.28

Top North Carolina to Illinois Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Illinois movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Illinois

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details