Moving to Illinois: 6 Reasons to Pack Your Bags & Move

More than 228,000 people are moving to Illinois each year, attracted by its robust economy and job opportunities. The state is home to 32 Fortune 500 companies, including major employers like Boeing, McDonald’s, and Caterpillar, offering diverse job prospects across various industries.

With a median home price of $267,000—21% below the national average—Illinois provides affordable housing options. Residents also enjoy a strong quality of life, with a median household income of $78,433. The state has top-ranked healthcare facilities and one of the nation’s leading public university systems, including the University of Illinois.

But it’s not just about work and housing, If you appreciate culture and architecture, Illinois is home to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic shores of Lake Michigan and explore natural wonders like Starved Rock State Park, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails.

6 Reasons to Move to Illinois

Illinois is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are the significant reasons for relocating to Illinois.

1. Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in Illinois, which is 8% below the national average, makes it an affordable place to live. It’s an attractive option compared to more expensive states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Illinois’ popular cities:

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Public Transport	Utilities	Food
Chicago	$305,596	$2,349	$87	$158	$382.15
Naperville	$576752	$2,032	$129	$121	$326.84
Peoria	$127,040	$1,645	$40	$200	$338.57
Rockford	$161,160	$1,220	$80	$214	$391.51

2. Employment Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois is home to the headquarters of 32 Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, Caterpillar, and Walgreens. These companies offer a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors:

• Technology: Chicago’s tech sector is thriving. As of 2024, the city has about 10,700 tech job openings. The average salary for technology professionals in Chicago is approximately $104,000 annually. Major tech employers in the city include Google and Salesforce. 

• Finance: Illinois stands out as a major financial hub. The state offers a range of positions in finance, with an average salary of around $90,000 per year. Job openings include roles such as financial analysts and investment bankers. Key employers include JPMorgan Chase and Citadel.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Manufacturing is one of the main industries in Illinois with over 8,237 companies employing around 265,000 people. The average salary for manufacturing roles is about $60,000 annually. Notable employers include Caterpillar Inc. and John Deere. 

• Lifesciences: Illinois has the 2nd largest life sciences employment in the Midwest and 7th largest in the nation. This sector employs 579,018 individuals. Fresenius Kabi, GE Healthcare, and Astellas are among the top employers in this space.

3. Excellent Education System

Illinois has a robust education system, which serves nearly 1.9 million students across more than 850 school districts. The state’s schools are categorized into different types:

Schools in Illinois

• Charter Schools: Illinois is home to over 140 charter schools, serving more than 60,000 students. These schools are run separately from the regular public system and don’t charge tuition fees. They provide specialized education in the arts or STEM fields.
• Private Schools: Illinois has more than 1,705 private schools, known for their academic excellence. The average tuition for private schools in Illinois is $12,000 annually. The Latin School of Chicago and The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools are some of the state’s most distinguished private institutions.
• Magnet Programs: These are free public schools that offer specialized programs in science, technology, arts, and international studies. Magnet schools like Northside College Prep in Chicago draw students from various districts and provide a distinct, top-grade education.

Higher Education

Illinois is a hub for higher education, with its universities widely regarded for academic and research excellence. The state is home to world-renowned institutions like the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. They are recognized for their programs in the fields of engineering, law, medicine, and business.

Additionally, Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that cater to diverse academic interests. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a major research institution that provides merit-based scholarships to domestic and international students.

4. Central Location for Business

Illinois is not just a great place to live; it’s a fantastic place to do business. The state offers a variety of incentives to attract and retain businesses. For instance, the Quantum Campus Enterprise Zone offers tax exemptions and grants to high-tech industries.

The EDGE Tax Credit Program provides up to 15 years of benefits for large-scale projects. These incentives are particularly appealing for tech and green manufacturing companies, making Illinois a hub for innovation​.

5. Easy Access to Healthcare

The Prairie State is home to over 181 hospitals and 10,000 medical practices which provides easy access to healthcare. Illinois is also a hub for medical research, with 9 medical schools and 20 medical research centers.

Top institutions like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center lead the way in healthcare quality. Additionally, Illinois was among the pioneers in Medicaid expansion, offering coverage to more than 3.9 million residents to enhance affordability.

6. Quality of Life

Illinois offers a rich quality of life with diverse living environments. Chicago, ranked 3rd in the U.S. for cultural activities, provides access to world-class museums, theaters, and dining.

The state boasts attractions like the Shawnee National Forest and Lake Michigan, offering ample recreational opportunities. Despite its major urban center, Illinois provides a range of living options from affordable suburbs to vibrant city life.

Cost of Moving to Illinois

There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to IL.

1. Moving Costs ~ $536 and $6,173

Moving to IL involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.

• Illinois movers can cost $192 per hour, which includes labor costs for 2-3 movers and a truck. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
• If you want to DIY your move, you can rent a truck as a cost-effective alternative. Mid-size moving trucks with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds generally cost between $40 and $80 per day.

👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Illinois.

2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month

• Once you’ve moved to Illinois, you’ll need to set up utilities like gas, electricity, and water. The average monthly utility bill in Illinois is approximately $330.
• Additionally, you’ll need to register your vehicle in Illinois. The cost for first-time registration is about $151. A standard title fee costs $150.

3. Housing Costs

Housing costs in the Prairie State can vary depending on your location.

• In popular cities like Chicago, Naperville, and Rockford, the average rent ranges between $1,200 to $2,500.
• However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Illinois in your budget. Homes in coastal cities like Chicago have a median home price of $305K. On the other hand, in inland cities like Peoria, it is $127K.

3 Things to Know Before Moving to Illinois

Before you pack your bags for the Prairie State, it’s essential to be aware of a few key factors that can greatly impact your experience. Here are three important things to know before moving to Illinois:

1. Weather Conditions

Illinois is known for its extreme weather. In the summer, temperatures can reach the 90s°F (30s°C), while winters can be quite harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, accompanied by heavy snowfall.

Severe weather events, such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, are also common, particularly in the spring and summer months. It’s recommended to have an earthquake kit with water, food, and medical supplies. Also, make sure to secure heavy furniture and consider hazard insurance for added protection.

2. Taxes

Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the nation, with an average effective rate of 2.23%. For a $270,647 median home, this translates to an annual property tax bill of around $6,035.

Additionally, the state has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. When planning your finances, it’s crucial to consider how these taxes will affect your overall cost of living.

3. Transportation and Traffic

Illinois, especially the Chicago metropolitan area, has extensive public transportation options through the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra rail systems. However, traffic congestion can be significant, particularly in and around Chicago, so commuting times may be long.

If you’re living outside major urban areas, public transportation options become more limited, making a car essential for daily travel.

4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Illinois

Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.

• Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
• Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you relocate to IL. Get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location before visiting the locality.
• Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Illinois neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
• Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.

Is Moving to Illinois a Good Idea?

Yes, moving to Illinois is a good idea. The state offers a low cost of living, a robust job market, and top-notch education options. Whether you’re drawn to Chicago’s urban lifestyle, or the charm of the small Midwestern towns, the Prairie State has something for everyone.

While moving can be challenging, planning ahead will make it easier. Make sure to do your research and budget adequately to make your move as smooth as possible.

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