New Mexico to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to Illinois

ConsNew Mexico

• Arid climate
• Limited public transit
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer job opportunities
• Isolation

ProsIllinois

• Four seasons
• Robust public transportation
• More cultural activities
• Thriving job market
• Vibrant cities

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Illinois

• Higher cost of living
• Flat geography
• Less regional charm
• Higher population density
• Heavy congestion

New Mexico

• Low cost of living
• Beautiful landscapes
• Unique culture
• Privacy and space
• Low traffic

Pros of moving from New Mexico to Illinois

• Say goodbye to arid climate and hello to four seasons
• Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Illinois with robust public transportation
• Swap the less cultural diversity of New Mexico for more cultural activities in Illinois
• Get ready for a thriving job market in Illinois

Cons of moving from New Mexico to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in New Mexico to live with a higher cost of living in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful landscapes and have to settle for the con of flat geography
• Time to bid farewell to a unique culture and get used to less regional charm in Illinois
• Swap privacy and space for a higher population density

New Mexico vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Mexico to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, 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 Blue Corn Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Deep Dish Vegan Pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo. 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 New Mexico. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in New Mexico. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and Illinois

• The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and spacious backyards, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and granite countertops.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than New Mexico.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than New Mexico.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than New Mexico.
• Illinois housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
• Rent in Illinois is 28.53% more expensive than in New Mexico.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to Illinois. Illinois gets 30% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in New Mexico, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 1 degree colder than in New Mexico.
• The average winter lows in Illinois are 2 degrees warmer than they are in New Mexico.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 25.1 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 28% more than those in New Mexico
• The COLI in Illinois will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in New Mexico
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.9% in NM
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate affluence in New Mexico
• The poverty level is lower in Illinois compared to moderate poverty in New Mexico
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Mexico and lower in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. Illinois

• New Mexico 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 a predominantly Christian and diverse religious landscape with a substantial Catholic and Protestant presence
• New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, with a significant Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to Illinois

How Much Do New Mexico to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,107 miles from New Mexico 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.