Moving to Illinois: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Illinois? You’re in good company. The Land of Lincoln draws people in with its energetic cities like Chicago and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Illinois has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Illinois so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the Illinois information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to IL
Top car shippers to IL
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Illinois

While relocating to Illinois offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Land of Lincoln to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Illinois

✓Home of chicago
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Delicious food
✓World-class sports culture

Cons of living in Illinois

✖Harsh winter weather
✖Bad traffic
✖High crime rate
✖Dull landscape
✖Strict laws

Things to do in Illinois

No matter why you’re relocating to Illinois—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Illinois is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in Illinois

Millennium Park
Navy Pier
The Magnificent Mile
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Shedd Aquarium
The Art Institute of Chicago
Starved Rock State Park
Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest
Lincoln Park Zoo
Anderson Japanese Gardens

Museums in Illinois

The Art Institute of Chicago
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Caterpillar Visitors Center
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Museum of Hummels
Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
World’s Tallest Man Statue
Halim Time & Glass Museum
Museum of Science and Industry
Graue Mill & Museum

Parks in Illinois

Starved Rock State Park
Matthiessen State Park
Illinois Beach State Park
Pere Marquette State Park
Kankakee river State Park
Shawnee National Forest
Castle Rock State Park
Rock Cut State Park
Giant city State Park
Ferne Clyffe State Park

Fun facts about Illinois

Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Illinois shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.

The round Silo for farm storage of silage was first constructed on a farm in Spring Grove.
The Illinois state dance is square dancing.
Illinois has more units of government than any other state (i.e., city, county, township, etc.). Over six thousand. One contributing reason may be the township governments, which are generally six miles square.
The worst prison camp during the Civil War in terms of percentages of death was at Rock Island.
Illinois boasts the highest number of personalized license plates, more than any other state.
The University of Illinois Conservatory is 37 feet high at its apex.
In 1905, president of the Chicago Cubs filed charges against a fan in the bleachers for catching a fly ball and keeping it.
Chicago’s Mercantile Exchange building was built entirely without an internal steel skeleton, as most skyscrapers; it depends on its thick walls to keep itself up
The abbreviation “ORD” for Chicago’s O’Hare airport comes from the original name Orchard Field. O’Hare Airport was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare.
The trains that pass through Chicago’s underground freight tunnels daily would extend over ten miles total in length.
The slogan of 105.9, the classic rock radio station in Chicago: ‘Of all the radio stations in Chicago…we’re one of them.’
In Mount Pulaski, Illinois, it is illegal for boys (and only boys) to hurl snowballs at trees. Girls are allowed to do that however.
In Illinois Michael is the top name chosen for boys. Emily is the most chosen name for girls.
Illinois is known for its wide variety of weather. Major winter storms, deadly tornadoes and spectacular heat and cold waves.

Illinois population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Illinois, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Land of Lincoln.

A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Illinois, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Illinois
Population	12,549,689
Female	50.6%
Male	49.4%
College graduation rate	37.14%
Political leaning	Democratic 55-45
Crime index	19.7

Illinois weather

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Illinois is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Illinois’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	Illinois
Summer high	86ºF
Winter low	17ºF
Annual rain	40″
Annual snow	22″

Income and cost of living in Illinois

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Illinois really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Illinois brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($37.6 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($23.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($22 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.7 billion)
Retail trade ($15.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($13.2 billion)
Wholesale trade ($12.4 billion)
Construction ($7.8 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($7.2 billion)
Utilities ($6.5 billion)

Metric	Illinois
Average rent cost	$1,179
Average home cost	$249,224
Average income (per capita)	$78,433
Cost of living index*	90
Unemployment rate	5.3%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.95%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Illinois

If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Illinois deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Illinois:

University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Northwestern University
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northern Illinois University
DePaul University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Loyola University Chicago
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Illinois State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Western Illinois University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Illinois

We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 80 right here in Illinois—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Land of Lincoln? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Illinois

Before you take the leap to Illinois, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Illinois

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Illinois.

Illinois car insurance requirements

Illinois requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.

Illinois drivers license requirements

Even if your driver’s license from another state is valid, you still need to pass a vision test and written exam when moving to Illinois. You have 90 days after becoming a resident to switch to an Illinois non-commercial license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Illinois?

Moving to Illinois is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Illinois is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Illinois?

On the cost of living index, Illinois has a score of 90. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Illinois?

The average income in IL is $78,433, and the an unemployment rate is 5.3. Home prices are $249,224, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,179.

What is the downside of living in Illinois?

Like any place, Illinois has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Land of Lincoln include:

Harsh winter weather
Bad traffic
High crime rate
Dull landscape
Strict laws

Illinois Moving Resources

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