Movers

Utah to Illinois Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,376 mile interstate move from Utah to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Utah vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Jell-O vs Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs prairie, victorian, and international), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Utah), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Jell-O and Utah Scones, but get your taste buds ready for Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza & Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Illinois housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Utah
  • Rent in Illinois is 3.96% more expensive than in Utah
  • Moving from Utah to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Utah to Illinois movers is 801 Moving Company

Utah to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Utah to Illinois

ConsUtah iconUtah
  • High cost of living
  • Limited public transport
  • Dry climate
  • Less diverse population
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • More affordable housing
  • Extensive transit systems
  • More varied weather
  • Rich cultural diversity

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flat terrain
  • Less natural attractions
  • Higher crime rates
  • Frequent congestion
Utah iconUtah
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Outdoor activities
  • Low crime rates
  • Fewer traffic jams

Pros of moving from Utah to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Illinois with extensive transit systems
  • Swap the dry climate of Utah for more varied weather in Illinois
  • Get ready for rich cultural diversity in Illinois

Cons of moving from Utah to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic landscapes in Utah to live with flat terrain in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of less natural attractions
  • Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Illinois
  • Swap fewer traffic jams for frequent congestion

Utah vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonUtahIllinois
Most iconic local food itemJell-OChicago-style Deep Dish Pizza
Most popular meat dishUtah SconesItalian Beef Sandwich
Most popular street food itemFry SauceChicago-style Hot Dog
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastSeitan
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ruth's Chris Steak House
  • Red Iguana
  • Valter's Osteria
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
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 Utah to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Jell-O of Utah for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Utah rave about their flavorful Utah Scones and sumptuous Fry Sauce, 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 Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Utah eateries like Ruth's Chris Steak House, Red Iguana, and Valter's Osteria. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Utah. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Utah. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Utah and Illinois

ComparisonUtahIllinois
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanPrairie, Victorian, and International
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 listingMountain views, outdoor spacesProximity to Chicago, historical features
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Utah is known for will be replaced with the Prairie, Victorian, and International architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Utah's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor spaces, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to Chicago and historical landmarks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes because Illinois is more walkable than Utah.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike because Illinois is more bike-friendly than Utah.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Utah.
  • Illinois housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Utah, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Utah’s $519,182.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 56% increase in Utah.
  • Rent in Illinois is 3.96% more expensive than in Utah.

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

ComparisonUtahIllinois
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 DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 60Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 18Β°F35Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1639
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5622
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Utah to Illinois. Illinois gets 21% fewer sunshine days than Utah.
  • Illinois has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Utah.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Utah, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
  • The average summer high temperature in Illinois is the same degrees as Utah.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Utah.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Utah.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Utah and Illinois

ComparisonUtahIllinois
Avg. Household Income$89,168$76,708
Cost of Living Index95.7594.25
State Income Tax4.95%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax0.60%2.27%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%8.81%
Top 3 IndustriesTech, Mining, AgricultureFinance, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerately affluentDiverse affluence
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessRelatively lowNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 14% less than in Utah
  • The COLI in Illinois will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Utah
  • There's no change in state income tax between Utah and Illinois
  • The affluence in Illinois is diverse compared to moderately affluent in Utah
  • The poverty level is moderate in Illinois compared to low in Utah
  • In terms of homelessness, it is relatively low in Utah and noticeable in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Utah vs. Illinois

ComparisonUtahIllinois
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican dominanceDemocratic strongholds in urban areas
ReligionLDS Church majorityDiverse religious landscape
  • Utah tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
  • Utah's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as an LDS Church majority

Education Guide When Moving from Utah to Illinois

ComparisonUtahIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Utah
Utah State University
Brigham Young University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAveson Charter Schools (Salt Lake City)
The Madeleine Choir School (Salt Lake City)
Hawthorne Elementary School (Salt Lake City)
Lincoln Elementary School (Chicago)
South Loop Elementary School (Chicago)
Edison Regional Gifted Center (Chicago)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRenaissance Academy (Lehi)
Wasatch Junior High (Salt Lake City)
Fort Herriman Middle School (Herriman)
Skinner North Classical School (Chicago)
Daniel Wright Junior High School (Lincolnshire)
Clarendon Hills Middle School (Clarendon Hills)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademy for Math
Engineering & Science (Salt Lake City)
Itineris Early College High (West Jordan)
Northern Utah Academy for Math
Engineering & Science (Layton)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Top 3 private high schoolsRowland Hall (Salt Lake City)
Waterford School (Sandy)
Juan Diego Catholic High School (Draper)
Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest)
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora) - though public
operates similarly to private
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRowland Hall (Salt Lake City)
Waterford School (Sandy)
Layton Christian Academy (Layton)
Latin School of Chicago (Chicago)
Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)
North Shore Country Day (Winnetka)
Top 3 School DistrictsPark City School District
Davis School District
Alpine School District
New Trier Township High School District 203
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Community High School District 128

How Much Do Utah to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,376 miles from Utah to Illinois will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,983300 ft3$6.61
1 Bedroom$2,951450 ft3$6.56
2 Bedrooms$4,881750 ft3$6.51
3 Bedrooms$7,1041100 ft3$6.46
4 Bedrooms$10,2541600 ft3$6.41
5+ Bedrooms$11,4451800 ft3$6.36

Top Utah to Illinois Movers

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

TOP PICK
801 Moving Company featured image

801 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Utah to Illinois

9.42/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

9.37/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Utah to Illinois Routes

Salt Lake City to Illinois