Things to know before moving from Illinois to Dallas, TX

Cost of living: Illinois vs Dallas, TX

Illinois Dallas
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,774
Average home value $249,224 $303,900
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $68,291
Unemployment rate 5% 4%
State income tax 5% 0%
  • Rent is about 50% more expensive in Dallas than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 22% higher in Dallas than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in Dallas than in Illinois.
  • Dallas has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 32%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Dallas than in Illinois.

How life is different in Dallas from Illinois

Dallas Illinois
Population 1,304,379 12,549,689
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 96ºF 86ºF
Winter low 36ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 39" 40"
Annual snow 1" 22"
Crime index 51.4 19.7
  • The population of Dallas is approximately 90% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Dallas voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Dallas is 96ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Dallas reaches the temperature of 36ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 39 inches of annual rainfall in Dallas vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Dallas, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Dallas has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 51.4 vs 19.7.

Things to do in Dallas

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Dallas.

Museums in Dallastoggle

  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  • Perot Museum of Nature and Science
  • Dallas Museum of Art
  • Rainbow Vomit
  • Frontiers of Flight Museum
  • Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
  • Nasher Sculpture Center
  • Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
  • Museum of Biblical Art
  • Meadows Museum
  • African American Museum

Parks in Dallastoggle

  • Klyde Warren Park
  • White Rock Lake Park
  • Main Street Garden Park
  • Fair Park
  • Reverchon Park
  • Trinity River Audubon Center
  • Belo Garden
  • Dragon Park

Sports Teams in Dallastoggle

  • Texas Rangers (MLB)
  • Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
  • Dallas Stars (NHL)
  • Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
  • FC Dallas (MLS)
  • Dallas Wings (WNBA)
  • Dallas Rattlers (MLL)
  • Frisco Fighters (IFL)
  • Dallas Jackals (MLR)

Universities in Dallastoggle

  • Dallas County Community College District
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  • University of North Texas
  • University of Texas at Dallas
  • Criswell College
  • Dallas Baptist University
  • Dallas Theological Seminary
  • Paul Quinn College
  • Southern Methodist University
  • University of Dallas

Other considerations when moving to Dallas, TX

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Illinois vs. Dallas, TX

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Dallas, TX:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Illinois vs Dallas side-by-side.

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Dallas, TX
Home of Chicago Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Fabulous weather
Bountiful recreational opportunities Quality education
Delicious food Abundant recreation and entertainment options
World-class sports culture Delicious food

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Dallas, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Dallas.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Dallas, TX
Harsh winter weather High housing costs
Bad traffic Terrible traffic
High crime rate Low greenery
Dull landscape High cost of living

FAQ

How long does a move from Illinois to Dallas take?

The time frame for a move from Illinois to Dallas, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Illinois, the longer the drive time to Dallas will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Dallas from Illinois can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Dallas?

Because of the 793-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Dallas as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Dallas, TX?

With the summer highs of 96ºF and the winter lows of 36ºF, most people move to Dallas from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Dallas during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources