New York to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Illinois

ConsNew York

• Sky-high rent
• Costly groceries
• Crowded streets
• Cramped apartments
• Limited parking
• Intense pace
• Constant noise
• Congested commutes
• High income taxes
• Tourist swarms
• Expensive insurance
• High childcare costs

ProsIllinois

• More affordable housing
• Cheaper groceries
• Less crowding
• Larger living space
• Easier parking
• Slower lifestyle
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Shorter drive times
• Lower flat tax
• Fewer tourists
• Lower insurance rates
• Cheaper childcare

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Illinois

• Limited transit reach
• More car-dependent
• Lower average pay
• Fewer 24-hour options
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer global cuisines
• Fewer big events
• Smaller networks
• Car needed often
• Smaller media market
• No ocean access
• Fewer famous landmarks

New York

• Extensive subway system
• Highly walkable
• Higher salaries
• 24/7 conveniences
• World-class museums
• Huge dining variety
• Nonstop entertainment
• Dense job networks
• Car-free living
• Global media hub
• Ocean beaches nearby
• Iconic landmarks

Pros of moving from New York to Illinois

• Say goodbye to sky-high rent and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from costly groceries and moving to Illinois with cheaper groceries
• Swap the crowded streets of New York for less crowding in Illinois
• Get ready for a larger living space in Illinois

Cons of moving from New York to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the extensive subway system in New York to live with limited transit reach in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of being highly walkable and have to settle with the con of being more car-dependent
• Time to bid farewell to higher salaries and get used to lower average pay in Illinois
• Swap 24/7 conveniences for fewer 24-hour options

New York vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic New York-style pizza of New York for the equally delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful corned beef and sumptuous hot dogs, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian beef and Polish sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the bagels with vegan spreads 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 New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Carmine's, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. 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 Garrett Popcorn Shops.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Illinois

• The Pre-war and Brownstone architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Farmhouse architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transit and views, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like yard space and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Illinois is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Illinois is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Illinois has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Illinois housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in Illinois is 29.93% more affordable than in New York.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Illinois. Illinois gets 14% fewer sunshine days than New York.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New York, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same as New York.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 10.7 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 4% less than in New York
• The COLI in Illinois will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 4% to 10.90% in NY
• The affluence in Illinois is moderate compared to high in New York
• The poverty level is low in Illinois compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in New York and low in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Illinois

• New York tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-Looking with Republican areas
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Illinois

How Much Do New York to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 933 miles from New York 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.