New Jersey to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

ConsNew Jersey

• High living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Harsh winters
• Limited open spaces

ProsIllinois

• Lower cost of living
• Improved public transit
• Slightly milder winters
• Access to parks and lakes

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Illinois

• Farther from east coast
• Landlocked state
• Lesser cultural diversity
• Varied education quality

New Jersey

• Close to NYC
• Beautiful shorelines
• Rich cultural diversity
• Thriving education system

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Illinois

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to a lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Illinois with improved public transit
• Swap the harsh winters of New Jersey for slightly milder winters in Illinois
• Get ready for access to parks and lakes in Illinois

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from being close to NYC in New Jersey to live farther from the East Coast in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful shorelines and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
• Time to bid farewell to rich cultural diversity and get used to lesser cultural diversity in Illinois
• Swap a thriving education system for varied education quality

New Jersey vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Jersey to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, 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 Vegan Sloppy Joes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago Diner's Vegan Shake of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Diner 24, Big Apple, and Beachside Shack. 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, Al's Beef, and The Chicago Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Illinois

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and spacious backyards, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like access to parks and open floor plans.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than New Jersey.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
• Illinois has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
• Illinois housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
• Rent in Illinois is 28.58% more affordable than in New Jersey.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Illinois. Illinois gets 9% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and winter storms in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as New Jersey.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 20% less than in New Jersey
• The COLI in Illinois is 27% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.53% in NJ
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in New Jersey
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in New Jersey and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Illinois

• New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as Catholic, Protestant and increasingly diverse
• New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic and Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Illinois

How Much Do New Jersey to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 893 miles from New Jersey 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.