Pennsylvania to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois

ConsPennsylvania

• High property taxes
• Cold winters
• Rural isolation
• Job market stagnation
• Limited public transit

ProsIllinois

• More affordable housing
• Milder winters
• Urban opportunities
• Thriving job market
• Extensive transit network

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Illinois

• Fewer historical sites
• Flat terrain
• Higher crime rates
• High cost of living
• Less cultural diversity

Pennsylvania

• Rich history
• Scenic landscapes
• Lower crime rates
• Established community
• Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to Illinois with milder winters
• Swap the rural isolation of Pennsylvania for urban opportunities in Illinois
• Get ready for a thriving job market in Illinois

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle for the con of flat terrain
• Time to bid farewell to lower crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Illinois
• Swap an established community for a high cost of living

Pennsylvania vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Primanti Bros., and Zahav. 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 Italian Beef, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Illinois

• The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Bungalow architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and spacious backyards, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like modern amenities and proximity to transit.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Illinois is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Illinois housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Illinois is 17.99% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Illinois gets 9% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Illinois has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is degrees the same as Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 7% more than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Illinois will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 3.07% in PA
• The affluence in Illinois is considerable compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is high in Illinois compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Pennsylvania and significant in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Illinois

• Pennsylvania tends to lean mixed, with a slight Democratic leaning in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic, especially in urban areas
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, with a significant Catholic presence in Chicago
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with Catholic and Protestant denominations being the largest

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 734 miles from Pennsylvania 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.