Wisconsin to Illinois Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

ConsWisconsin

• Harsh winters
• Rural atmosphere
• Limited public transit
• Fewer job opportunities

ProsIllinois

• Milder winters
• Urban lifestyle
• Comprehensive public transit
• More job opportunities

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Illinois

• Higher cost of living
• Industrial landscape
• Big-city noise
• Limited green space

Wisconsin

• Low cost of living
• Scenic landscapes
• Small-town charm
• Outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a rural atmosphere and moving to Illinois with an urban lifestyle
• Swap the limited public transit of Wisconsin for comprehensive public transit in Illinois
• Get ready for more job opportunities in Illinois

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Wisconsin to live with the higher cost of living in Illinois
• You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle for the con of an industrial landscape
• Time to bid farewell to small-town charm and get used to big-city noise in Illinois
• Swap outdoor activities for limited green space

Wisconsin vs. Illinois: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, 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 Cheese Platter 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 Wisconsin eateries like L'Etoile, Mader's, and The Old Fashioned. After the boxes are unpacked in Illinois, don't wait too long before making your way to Illinois' acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Alinea.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Illinois

• The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Victorian architecture typical of Illinois.
• Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious yards, Illinois real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transportation and historic details.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Illinois is more walkable than Wisconsin.
• Illinois is similarly bike-friendly to Wisconsin.
• Illinois has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
• Illinois housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $257,738 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Illinois have increased by 35% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
• Rent in Illinois is 40.03% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Illinois. Illinois gets 4% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
• Illinois has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Illinois.
• The average summer high temperature in Illinois is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Illinois. Illinois receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Illinois

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Illinois tend to earn about 8% more than in Wisconsin
• The COLI in Illinois will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 6.27 in WI
• The affluence in Illinois is high compared to moderate in Wisconsin
• The poverty level is above average in Illinois compared to average in Wisconsin
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and moderate in Illinois

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Illinois

• Wisconsin tends to lean swing State in its political climate
• Illinois, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Illinois' religious environment can be described as a Christian Majority
• Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

How Much Do Wisconsin to Illinois Movers Cost?

Moving 265 miles from Wisconsin to Illinois will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.