Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to CTtoggle

There are many factors that influence Illinois moving costs. The cost to move from Illinois to Connecticut will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from IL to CT

If you’re moving to Connecticut from Illinois, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Connecticut

Illinois Connecticut
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,374
Average home cost $249,224 $405,595
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $90,213
Cost of Living Index 90 100
Unemployment rate 5.3% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 6.35%
State Income Tax 4.95% 3.0%
  • Rent is about 17% more expensive in Connecticut than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 63% higher in Connecticut than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 15% higher in Connecticut than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Connecticut than in Illinois.
  • Connecticut has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 43%.
  • Sales taxes are 28% lower in Connecticut than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 39% lower in Connecticut than in Illinois.

How life is different in Connecticut vs. Illinois

Connecticut Illinois
Population 3,617,176 12,549,689
Political leaning Democratic 56-44 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 83ºF 86ºF
Winter low 18ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 50" 40"
Annual snow 37" 22"
Crime index 16.44 19.7
  • The population of Connecticut is approximately 71% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Connecticut voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Connecticut is 83ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Connecticut reaches the temperature of 18ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Connecticut versus 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Connecticut, it snows about 37 inches annually versus 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Connecticut has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 16.44 vs. 19.7.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Connecticut

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Connecticut compared to Illinois.

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Connecticut
Home of Chicago Natural beauty
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Diverse lifestyle options
Delicious food Great outdoor environment
World-class sports culture Amiable small communities

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Connecticut

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Connecticut.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Connecticut
Harsh winter weather High cost of living
Bad traffic Tough winter weather
High crime rate Bad traffic
Dull landscape Heavy tax burdens
Strict laws Low job opportunity

Other things to consider for your Illinois to Connecticut movetoggle

  • Weather: Connecticut has decent weather, is familiar to any east coast native. In the North, there tend to be cold winters with moderate snowfall and hot, humid summers. In the South, there are cool winters with a mix of rain and infrequent snow, and hot humid summers.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates in-state moving companies and taxi, trucking, and bus companies. In addition, customers are also protected from scam movers by regulations set forth by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Connecticut moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Connecticut does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Connecticut. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opting for Released Value Protection is a budget-friendly choice, as it comes at no extra cost from movers, although it provides minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's liability is limited to a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. If your belongings are valuable and you seek coverage beyond this limited protection, it's recommended to discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Connecticuttoggle

While you’re in Connecticut, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mystic Seaport
  • Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum
  • Lake Compounce Amusement Park
  • Beardsley Zoo
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park
  • Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
  • Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum
  • Gillette Castle State Park
  • The Mark Twain House & Museum
  • Yale University Art Gallery
  • Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
  • Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
  • New England Air Museum
  • Roseland Cottage
  • The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
  • The Glass House
  • Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
  • Mohegan Sun
  • Hill-Stead Museum
  • Rocky Neck State Park
  • New Britain Museum of American Art
  • Stamford Museum & Nature Center
  • Shore Line Trolley Museum
  • Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds
  • Ocean Beach Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Connecticut?toggle

Hiring a full-service Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Connecticut?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Illinois to Connecticut separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Connecticut?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Connecticut are the amazing upsides of living in Connecticut such as natural beauty and bountiful recreational opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Connecticut?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Connecticut. Housing is much more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 39% lower than in Connecticut. However, taxes are lower in Connecticut, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Illinois residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Connecticut?toggle

You should make approximately $51,120 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Connecticut. The cost of living in Connecticut is approximately $2,911 per month for an individual and $6,352 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Connecticut you live For example, larger cities like Waterbury and Bridgeport will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources