Rhode Island to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

ConsRhode Island

• High cost of living
• Limited job opportunities
• Small geographical size
• Harsh winters

ProsIllinois

• Affordability in housing
• Thriving job market
• Expansive landscapes
• More moderate winters

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Illinois

• Landlocked state
• Fewer historic towns
• More urban sprawl
• Fewer fresh seafood options

Rhode Island

• Coastal access
• Historic charm
• Close-knit communities
• Produced seafood delicacies

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordability in housing
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Illinois with a thriving job market
• Swap the small geographical size of Rhode Island for expansive landscapes in Illinois
• Get ready for more moderate winters in Illinois

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal access in Rhode Island to live in a landlocked state in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of historic charm and have to settle for the con of fewer historic towns
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to more urban sprawl in Illinois
• Swap produced seafood delicacies for fewer fresh seafood options

Rhode Island vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Rhode Island to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Calamari 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 Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, The White Horse Tavern, and Los Andes Restaurant. 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 Hot Dogs, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Illinois

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Modern architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront views and historic homes, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and smart homes.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Rhode Island.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Illinois is more bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
• Illinois housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased 35% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
• Rent in Illinois is 15.89% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Rhode Island and Illinois

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Rhode Island to Illinois, as Illinois gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Rhode Island.
• Illinois has similar humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters, coastal storms, hurricanes or tropical remnants, flooding, and blizzards in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, derechos, flooding, winter storms, and extreme heat in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
• The average winter lows in Illinois are 5 degrees colder than those in Rhode Island.
• Your umbrella might be used the same amount in Illinois, as Illinois receives inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 6% less than those in Rhode Island
• The COLI in Illinois will be 24% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% compared to 3.75% in RI
• The affluence in Illinois is varied compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
• The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Rhode Island
• In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Rhode Island and increasing in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Illinois

• Rhode Island tends to lean democratically in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as democratically leaning
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Protestant presence
• Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Illinois

How Much Do Rhode Island to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,078 miles from Rhode Island 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.