Oklahoma to Illinois Moving Guide

Oklahoma vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Oklahoma to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Brisket and sumptuous Fried Onion Burgers, 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 Seitan 'Steak' 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 Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Leo's BBQ. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Illinois

• The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Prairie architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious lots and tornado shelters, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Oklahoma.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
• Illinois housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
• Rent in Illinois is 37.87% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Illinois. Illinois gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and droughts in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 9 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 29% more than in Oklahoma
• The COLI in Illinois is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 5.0% in OK
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Oklahoma
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to moderate in Oklahoma
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Illinois

• Oklahoma tends to lean largely Republican in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with a mix of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities
• Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant with a strong Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Illinois

How Much Do Oklahoma to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 683 miles from Oklahoma to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.