Movers

Texas to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 994 mile interstate move from Texas to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Texas vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like blistering summer heat vs milder summer temperatures), food & health (like Brisket vs Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (ranch, modern vs prairie, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Illinois), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Brisket and Tex-Mex Fajitas, but get your taste buds ready for Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Illinois housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Texas
  • Rent in Illinois is 3.42% more expensive than in Texas
  • Moving from Texas to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Texas to Illinois movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Texas to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Illinois

ConsTexas iconTexas
  • Blistering summer heat
  • Limited public transit
  • Hurricane risks
  • Sparse greenery
  • Higher property taxes
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Milder summer temperatures
  • Comprehensive transit systems
  • No hurricane threats
  • Lush landscapes
  • Slightly lower property taxes

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher urban living costs
  • Harsh winter temperatures
  • Limited outdoor space
  • Less diverse food scene
  • Quieter cultural vibe
Texas iconTexas
  • Spacious suburban homes
  • Year-round warmth
  • Large yard spaces
  • Rich Tex-Mex culture
  • Vibrant music scene

Pros of moving from Texas to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to blistering summer heat and hello to milder summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Illinois with comprehensive transit systems
  • Swap the hurricane risks of Texas for no hurricane threats in Illinois
  • Get ready for lush landscapes in Illinois

Cons of moving from Texas to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from spacious suburban homes in Texas to live with higher urban living costs in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of year-round warmth and have to settle for the con of harsh winter temperatures
  • Time to bid farewell to large yard spaces and get used to limited outdoor space in Illinois
  • Swap rich Tex-Mex culture for a less diverse food scene

Texas vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Most iconic local food itemBrisketChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishTex-Mex FajitasItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosChicago-style Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQVegan Deep Dish Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Alinea
  • Portillo's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Texas to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Brisket of Texas for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful Tex-Mex Fajitas and sumptuous Tacos, Illinois residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwiches and Chicago-style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit BBQ 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 Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, Cafe Modern, and The Salt Lick. 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 Texas. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Texas. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and Illinois

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, ModernPrairie, Colonial
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Open floor plansAccess to public transportation, Historic features
  • The Ranch and Modern architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Colonial architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and open floor plans, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like access to public transportation and historic features.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Texas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Texas.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Texas.
  • Illinois housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Texas’s $304,027.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
  • Rent in Illinois is 3.42% more expensive than in Texas.

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

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Winter Storms
Air QualityVaries by CityVaries by City
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F35Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3639
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.122
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Texas to Illinois. Illinois gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Texas.
  • Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and winter storms in Illinois.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 9 degrees colder than in Texas.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Texas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Texas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and Illinois

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Avg. Household Income$72,284$76,708
Cost of Living Index91.194.25
State Income Tax0%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax1.80%2.31%
Avg. Sales Tax8.20%8.81%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Technology, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Financial Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 6% more than those in Texas
  • The COLI in Illinois will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Texas
  • Bummer... By moving from Texas to Illinois, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95%
  • The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate affluence in Texas
  • The poverty level is higher in Illinois compared to moderate poverty in Texas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Texas and high in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. Illinois

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, liberal in urban areasLiberal in urban areas, mix in rural areas
ReligionEvangelical Protestants prominentCatholicism and Protestantism common
  • Texas tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democratic
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as Catholicism and Protestantism common
  • Texas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestants prominent

Education Guide When Moving from Texas to Illinois

ComparisonTexasIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
University of Illinois
Northwestern
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWilliam B Travis Acad/Vangrd for Academically Tag
Dallas
Canyon Creek Elementary
Austin
Walnut Springs Elementary
Dripping Springs
Skinner North Classical School
Chicago
Lincoln Elementary School
Springfield
Meadow Glens Elementary School
Naperville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam B Travis Acad/Vangrd for the Academically Tag
Dallas
Canyon Ridge Middle School
Austin
West Ridge Middle School
Austin
Skinner North Classical School
Chicago
Daniel Wright Junior High School
Lincolnshire
Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas
School of Science & Engineering
Dallas
Liberal Arts & Science Academy
Austin
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Mark's School of Texas
Dallas
The Kinkaid School
Houston
Greenhill School
Addison
University of Chicago Lab School
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Hockaday School
Dallas
St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Austin
Trinity Valley School
Fort Worth
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest
Morgan Park Academy
Chicago
North Shore Country Day
Winnetka
Top 3 School DistrictsEanes Independent School District
Austin
Carroll Independent School District
Southlake
Coppell Independent School District
Coppell
New Trier Township High School District 203
Northfield
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville

How Much Do Texas to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 994 miles from Texas 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,766300 ft3$5.89
1 Bedroom$2,627450 ft3$5.84
2 Bedrooms$4,340750 ft3$5.79
3 Bedrooms$6,3101100 ft3$5.74
4 Bedrooms$9,0991600 ft3$5.69
5+ Bedrooms$10,1461800 ft3$5.64

Top Texas to Illinois Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Texas to Illinois movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery featured image

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Texas to Illinois

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC featured image

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
King Moving Company featured image

King Moving Company

9.53/10
ExceptionalView details