Movers

New Hampshire to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,087 mile interstate move from New Hampshire to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Hampshire vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs diverse career opportunities), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs prairie, chicago school), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Hampshire), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Boiled Dinner, but get your taste buds ready for Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Illinois housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in New Hampshire
  • Rent in Illinois is 11.02% more affordable than in New Hampshire
  • Moving from New Hampshire to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended New Hampshire to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.

New Hampshire to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Hampshire to Illinois

ConsNew Hampshire iconNew Hampshire
  • Limited job market
  • Extreme winter temperatures
  • Higher property taxes
  • Fewer cultural attractions
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Milder winters
  • Affordable city living
  • Rich cultural scene

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flat terrain
  • Higher crime areas
  • Urban isolation
  • Sales tax
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire
  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • Low crime rate
  • Community spirit
  • Tax-free shopping

Pros of moving from New Hampshire to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to diverse career opportunities
  • Look forward to moving away from extreme winter temperatures and moving to Illinois with milder winters
  • Swap the higher property taxes of New Hampshire for affordable city living in Illinois
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Illinois

Cons of moving from New Hampshire to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from breathtaking landscapes in New Hampshire to live with flat terrain in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle for the con of higher crime areas
  • Time to bid farewell to community spirit and get used to urban isolation in Illinois
  • Swap tax-free shopping for sales tax

New Hampshire vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollDeep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishBoiled DinnerItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemFried DoughChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodKelp NoodlesSeitan
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Polly's Pancake Parlor
  • Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery
  • Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co.
  • 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 New Hampshire to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of New Hampshire for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in New Hampshire rave about their flavorful Boiled Dinner and sumptuous Fried Dough, 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 Kelp Noodles they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Hampshire eateries like Polly's Pancake Parlor, Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery, and Moat Mountain Smoke House and Brewing Co. 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 a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New Hampshire. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois, compared to what you are used to in New Hampshire. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Hampshire and Illinois

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodPrairie, Chicago School
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 listingScenic Views, PrivacyAccess to Public Transit, Proximity to Amenities
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that New Hampshire is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to New Hampshire's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transit and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than New Hampshire.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than New Hampshire.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than New Hampshire.
  • Illinois housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in New Hampshire, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to New Hampshire’s $465,926.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 68% increase in New Hampshire.
  • Rent in Illinois is 11.02% more affordable than in New Hampshire.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Hampshire and Illinois

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
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 DisastersSnowstorms, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°F / 17Β°F35Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"39"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Hampshire to Illinois. Illinois gets 6% fewer sunshine days than New Hampshire.
  • Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Hampshire.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in New Hampshire, 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 5 degrees warmer than New Hampshire.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in New Hampshire.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to New Hampshire.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Hampshire and Illinois

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
Avg. Household Income$89,992$76,708
Cost of Living Index116.894.25
State Income Tax0%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax2.05%2.16%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, TourismFinance, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 15% less than those in New Hampshire
  • The COLI in Illinois is 19% lower than what you are used to living in New Hampshire
  • Bummer... By moving from NH to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95%
  • The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to moderate in New Hampshire
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in New Hampshire
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in New Hampshire and higher in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in New Hampshire vs. Illinois

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
Political Make-upModerately conservative, swing state in electionsLargely liberal, especially in urban areas like Chicago
Local PoliticsLocal governance tends to lean conservative in rural areasLocal governance varies, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural areas being more conservative
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant unaffiliated or non-religious populationPrimarily Christian, diverse religious communities in urban areas, significant Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu populations in cities like Chicago
  • New Hampshire tends to lean moderately conservative and swing state in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as largely liberal, especially in urban areas like Chicago
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with diverse religious communities in urban areas, including significant Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu populations in cities like Chicago
  • New Hampshire's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a significant unaffiliated or non-religious population

Education Guide When Moving from New Hampshire to Illinois

ComparisonNew HampshireIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Hampshire
Dartmouth College
Southern New Hampshire University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMatthew Thornton Elementary (Londonderry)
Main Dunstable Elementary (Nashua)
Hollis Primary School (Hollis)
South Park Elementary (Deerfield)
Lincoln Elementary (River Forest)
Willowbrook Elementary (Glenview)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmherst Middle School (Amherst)
Hollis Brookline Middle School (Hollis)
Hampton Academy (Hampton)
Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook)
Marie Murphy School (Wilmette)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Top 3 High School SchoolsPhillips Exeter Academy (Exeter)
Hanover High School (Hanover)
Bedford High School (Bedford)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Exeter Academy (Exeter)
St. Paul's School (Concord)
Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBrewster Academy (Wolfeboro)
The Derryfield School (Manchester)
New Hampton School (New Hampton)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
University of Chicago Lab Schools (Chicago)
Top 3 School DistrictsBedford School District
Hanover School District
Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District
New Trier Township High School District
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Evanston/Skokie School District 65

How Much Do New Hampshire to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,087 miles from New Hampshire 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,819300 ft3$6.06
1 Bedroom$2,706450 ft3$6.01
2 Bedrooms$4,472750 ft3$5.96
3 Bedrooms$6,5041100 ft3$5.91
4 Bedrooms$9,3801600 ft3$5.86
5+ Bedrooms$10,4621800 ft3$5.81

Top New Hampshire to Illinois Movers

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

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for New Hampshire to Illinois

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Fit 2 Move featured image

Fit 2 Move

9.28/10
ExceptionalView details
Top New Hampshire to Illinois Routes

Manchester to Illinois