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Vermont to Illinois Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 1,073 mile interstate move from Vermont to Illinois? This moving guide will help you compare living in Vermont vs Illinois across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Maple syrup vs Deep-dish pizza), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs prairie, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Vermont), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Maple syrup and Maple-glazed ham, but get your taste buds ready for Deep-dish pizza & Italian beef
  • Illinois housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Vermont
  • Rent in Illinois is 14.89% more affordable than in Vermont
  • Moving from Vermont to Illinois will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Vermont to Illinois movers is 606 Movers, Inc.
Vermont to Illinois featured image

Top Vermont to Illinois Movers

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

TOP PICK
606 Movers, Inc. featured image

606 Movers, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Vermont to Illinois

9.37/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Move-tastic! featured image

Move-tastic!

9.35/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Lowell's Moving & Storage featured image

Lowell's Moving & Storage

9.08/10
Exceptional

Vermont to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Vermont to Illinois

ConsVermont iconVermont
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Rural isolation
  • Lack of nightlife
ProsIllinois iconIllinois
  • Milder winters
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Urban amenities
  • Vibrant social scene

Illinois iconIllinois
  • Flat landscapes
  • Higher crime rates
  • Dense urban areas
  • Busier lifestyles
Vermont iconVermont
  • Scenic nature
  • Low crime rates
  • Small-town charm
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Vermont to Illinois

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Illinois with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the rural isolation of Vermont for urban amenities in Illinois
  • Get ready for a vibrant social scene in Illinois

Cons of moving from Vermont to Illinois

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic nature in Vermont to live with flat landscapes in Illinois
  • You'll lose out on the pro of low crime rates and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
  • Time to bid farewell to small-town charm and get used to dense urban areas in Illinois
  • Swap close-knit communities for busier lifestyles

Vermont vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVermontIllinois
Most iconic local food itemMaple syrupDeep-dish pizza
Most popular meat dishMaple-glazed hamItalian beef
Most popular street food itemApple cider donutsChicago-style hot dog
Most popular vegan foodMaple roasted root vegetablesChicago-style vegan deep-dish pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Hen of the Wood
  • Prohibition Pig
  • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Vermont to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic maple syrup of Vermont for the equally delicious deep-dish pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Vermont rave about their flavorful maple-glazed ham and sumptuous apple cider donuts, 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 maple roasted root vegetables they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago-style vegan deep-dish pizza of Illinois. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Vermont eateries like Hen of the Wood, Prohibition Pig, and Piecasso Pizzeria and Lounge. 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 Vermont. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Illinois compared to what you are used to in Vermont. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Illinois.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Vermont and Illinois

ComparisonVermontIllinois
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialPrairie, Ranch
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 listingLake access, mountain viewProximity to Chicago, large yards
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Vermont is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Ranch architecture typical of Illinois.
  • Compared to Vermont's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and mountain views, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to Chicago and large yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Illinois is more walkable than Vermont.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Illinois is more bike-friendly than Vermont.
  • Illinois has more of an urban feel than Vermont.
  • Illinois housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Vermont, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Vermont’s $381,042.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 50% increase in Vermont.
  • Rent in Illinois is 14.89% more affordable than in Vermont.

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

ComparisonVermontIllinois
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 DisastersBlizzards, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79/5985/65
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1235/22
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4239
Annual Snowfall (Inches)8122
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Vermont to Illinois. Illinois gets 20% more sunshine days than Vermont.
  • Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Vermont.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Vermont, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 6 degrees warmer than in Vermont.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Vermont.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Illinois. Illinois receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Vermont.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Vermont and Illinois

ComparisonVermontIllinois
Avg. Household Income$73,991$76,708
Cost of Living Index120.594.25
State Income Tax6%4.95%
Avg. Property Tax1.8%2.2%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TourismManufacturing, Agriculture, Finance
AffluenceModerateDiverse
PovertyManageableVaried
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 4% more than those in Vermont
  • The cost of living index in Illinois will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Vermont
  • The state income tax in Illinois is 4.95% compared to 6% in Vermont
  • The affluence in Illinois is diverse compared to moderate affluence in Vermont
  • The poverty level is varied in Illinois compared to manageable poverty in Vermont
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Vermont and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Vermont vs. Illinois

ComparisonVermontIllinois
Political Make-upGenerally liberal/Democratic in statewide and federal elections; notable independent/progressive streak; rural areas can be more moderate to conservative.Democratic-leaning statewide, anchored by Chicago and suburbs; many downstate/rural counties vote Republican; overall left-of-center in federal/statewide races.
Local PoliticsStrong tradition of town meetings and direct democracy; many nonpartisan local offices; emphasis on local control in small towns.Layered local government (counties, townships, municipalities, special districts); home-rule powers in many cities; partisan local elections common in larger municipalities.
ReligionHigh share of religiously unaffiliated; smaller Christian denominations and diverse faith communities present.More religious affiliation overall; large Catholic and Protestant communities; diverse faiths present, especially in the Chicago area.
  • Vermont tends to lean generally liberal/Democratic in its political climate, with a notable independent/progressive streak, while rural areas can be more moderate to conservative
  • Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning statewide, anchored by Chicago and its suburbs, while many downstate and rural counties vote Republican, and it is overall left-of-center in federal and statewide races
  • Illinois' religious environment can be described as having a more religious affiliation overall, with large Catholic and Protestant communities, and diverse faiths present, especially in the Chicago area
  • Vermont's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a high share of religiously unaffiliated individuals, along with smaller Christian denominations and diverse faith communities present

Education Guide When Moving from Vermont to Illinois

ComparisonVermontIllinois
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Vermont
Burlington; Middlebury College
Middlebury; Champlain College
Burlington
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign; Northwestern University
Evanston; Illinois State University
Normal
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChamplain Elementary School
Burlington; Marion Cross School
Norwich; Edmunds Elementary School
Burlington
Skinner North Classical School
Chicago; Edison Regional Gifted Center
Chicago; Burley Elementary School
Chicago
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEdmunds Middle School
Burlington; Charlotte Central School
Charlotte; Stowe Middle School
Stowe
Daniel Wright Junior High School
Lincolnshire; Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle; Madison Junior High School
Naperville
Top 3 High SchoolsEssex High School
Essex Junction; Champlain Valley Union High School
Hinesburg; South Burlington High School
South Burlington
Payton College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aurora
Top 3 Private High SchoolsThetford Academy
Thetford; Mount Mansfield Union High
Jericho; Rice Memorial High School
South Burlington
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago; Latin School of Chicago
Chicago; Loyola Academy
Wilmette
Top 3 Private K-12 SchoolsVermont Academy
Saxtons River; The Putney School
Putney; Burr and Burton Academy
Manchester
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago; North Shore Country Day School
Winnetka; Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Top 3 School DistrictsSouth Burlington School District; Montpelier Roxbury School District; Colchester School DistrictNew Trier Township High School District No. 203
Winnetka; Community High School District No. 128
Vernon Hills; Township High School District No. 113
Highland Park

How Much Do Vermont to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 1,073 miles from Vermont 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,811300 ft3$6.04
1 Bedroom$2,694450 ft3$5.99
2 Bedrooms$4,452750 ft3$5.94
3 Bedrooms$6,4751100 ft3$5.89
4 Bedrooms$9,3381600 ft3$5.84
5+ Bedrooms$10,4151800 ft3$5.79
Top Vermont to Illinois Routes

Burlington to Illinois