Ohio to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to Illinois

ConsOhio

• Limited public transit
• Smaller job market
• Fewer Fortune 500
• Lower wage ceilings
• Fewer direct flights
• Limited late-night options
• Less culinary variety
• Car-dependent living
• Sparse walkability
• Fewer museums
• Fewer tech roles
• Limited venture capital
• Fewer major events
• Lake access limited

ProsIllinois

• Extensive CTA/Metra
• Larger Chicago market
• Many corporate HQs
• Higher salary potential
• O'Hare international hub
• Vibrant nightlife scene
• Diverse food scene
• Car-optional neighborhoods
• Walkable urban cores
• World-class museums
• Robust tech ecosystem
• Strong VC presence
• Major convention hub
• Lake Michigan shoreline

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Illinois

• Higher housing costs
• Higher property taxes
• Higher sales taxes
• Higher cost of living
• Longer commute times
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Costly scarce parking
• Many toll roads
• Faster high-pressure pace
• More urban noise
• Smaller apartments
• Costlier car insurance
• Higher business costs
• Higher childcare costs

Ohio

• Lower housing costs
• Lower property taxes
• Lower sales taxes
• Lower cost of living
• Shorter commute times
• Less traffic congestion
• Easier street parking
• Fewer toll roads
• Slower-paced lifestyle
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Roomier living space
• Cheaper car insurance
• Lower business costs
• Lower childcare costs

Pros of moving from Ohio to Illinois

• Say goodbye to limited public transit and hello to extensive CTA/Metra
• Look forward to moving away from a smaller job market and moving to Illinois with a larger Chicago market
• Swap the fewer Fortune 500 companies of Ohio for many corporate HQs in Illinois
• Get ready for higher salary potential in Illinois

Cons of moving from Ohio to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower housing costs in Ohio to live with higher housing costs in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower property taxes and have to settle for the con of higher property taxes
• Time to bid farewell to lower sales taxes and get used to higher sales taxes in Illinois
• Swap lower cost of living for a higher cost of living

Ohio vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Ohio to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Ohio for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati Chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, 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 Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Skyline Chili, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. 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 Ohio. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Ohio. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and Illinois

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Victorian architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family neighborhoods, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like nearby amenities and access to public transportation.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Ohio.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Ohio.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Ohio.
• Illinois housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
• Rent in Illinois is 20.95% more expensive than in Ohio.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Ohio and Illinois

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to Illinois. Illinois gets 7% more sunshine days than Ohio.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 2 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Ohio.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 17% more than in Ohio
• The COLI in Illinois will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 2.85% in OH
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Ohio
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in Ohio
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Ohio and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. Illinois

• Ohio tends to lean swing State in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as religious diversity but predominantly Christian
• Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a strong Christian influence

How Much Do Ohio to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 411 miles from Ohio to Illinois will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.