Ever dreamed of having the Chicago skyline just a glance away? Well, moving to Illinois could be your golden ticket! With a cost of living 8% below the national average, a thriving job market, and top-ranked healthcare, the Prairie State has something for everyone.
Homes currently spend an average of 61 days on the market. This gives you enough time to negotiate a solid deal. So, if you plan on relocating to Illinois in 2025, consider this your sign!
👉 Illinois Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Illinois today!
7 Reasons to Move to Illinois
If the infamous deep-dish pizza is not convincing enough, don’t worry. These 7 reasons might just be the push you need for moving to Illinois:
| # | Reasons to Move to IL | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | Illinois' cost of living is 8% below the national average. |
| 2. | Employment Opportunities | It is home to 32 Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Caterpillar, Walgreens, McDonald's, etc. |
| 3. | Education | Illinois has top schools like the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and the Latin School of Chicago. |
| 4. | Business Incentives | The Prairie State supports businesses with programs like the EDGE Tax Credit, attracting companies in tech. |
| 5. | Healthcare | It has 235 hospitals including top institutions like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center. |
| 6. | Climate | Illinois experiences warm summers that average in the upper 80s. Winters often range between 30 to 45 degrees. |
| 7. | Recreation | The state has an abundance of natural spaces where you can camp, hike, fish and more. |
1. Cost of Living
The Prairie State’s cost of living is 8% below the US median. In comparison, states like New York and California cost 26% and 38% more, respectively. Before you break out your square dancing moves, here’s what your monthly expenses would look like in Illinois’ top cities:
| Metro | Home Price | Home Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Chicago | $365,000 | $1596 | $200 | $104 | $700 |
| Naperville | $522,500 | $1711 | $91.6 | $105 | $533 |
| Peoria | $134,250 | $906 | $53 | $104 | $565 |
| Rockford | $167,000 | $1132 | $54.3 | $103 | $575 |
If you feel these costs will burn a hole in your pocket, you can explore some of the cheapest places to live in Illinois.
2. Employment Opportunities
The Illinois job market is thriving and offers diverse employment opportunities across industries. The state is home to 32 Fortune 500 companies, which include major companies like Caterpillar, Walgreens, and Boeing.
Illinois aims to add 6.5 million jobs by the end of 2032, and here are the sectors you should keep an eye out for:
- Finance: As a major financial hub, Illinois offers a wide range of opportunities in the finance sector. With an average salary of nearly $90,000 per year, top employers like Citadel and JPMorgan Chase are key players in the state’s thriving job market.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy, with over 8,237 companies in the state. The sector offers an average salary of $60,000, with industry leaders like John Deere and Caterpillar Inc. driving employment opportunities.
- Technology: The tech sector is on the rise, growing by 18% over the last decade. In Chicago, tech professionals earn an average salary of $105,000 annually. Major employers like Salesforce and Google drive opportunities in the state.
- Life Sciences: The Prairie State boasts the 2nd largest life sciences workforce in the Midwest and the 7th the nation. With major employers like GE Healthcare, Astellas, and Fresenius Kabi, the sector employs 579,018 individuals.
3. Education System
Illinois takes education seriously, serving over 1.9 million students across 850 school districts. Whether you’re looking for top-rated charter schools or private institutions, here’s a quick look at your options:
Schools in Illinois
- Private Schools: Illinois offers plenty of private school options, with over 1,637 institutions across the state. Tuition averages around $8,639 per year, and top institutes like The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and The Latin School of Chicago are renowned.
- Magnet Programs: The state is home to top-rated schools, including Northside College Prep in Chicago. They draw students from various districts and provide high-quality education with specialized programs in science, arts, technology, and more.
- Charter Schools: Illinois has over 137 charter schools and serves more than 60,000 students. These tuition-free schools offer specialized programs in areas like arts or STEM.
Higher Education in Illinois
The Prairie State is home to top-tier universities. Northwestern University and the University of Illinois excel in law, medicine, engineering, and business programs. Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University offer diverse undergraduate and graduate programs.
4. Business Incentives
Business owners enjoy several benefits of living in Illinois, thanks to incentive programs like the Quantum Campus Enterprise Zone. It provides high-tech industries with benefits like Building and Materials Tax Exemption (BMEC) and Utility Tax Exemption.
Moreover, the EDGE Tax Credit Program rewards businesses that create jobs and invest in the state. Tier 1 program recipients receive up to 10 years, while tier 2 program recipients receive up to 15 years of benefits. With this, Illinois continues to be a hub for innovation.
5. Healthcare
The Prairie State makes healthcare accessible with 235 hospitals and 10,000 medical practices. It is also a major player in medical research, home to 9 medical schools and over 30 medical research centers.
Top institutes like Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital set the standard for quality care. Plus, Illinois is among 32 states that expanded Medicaid coverage and offers coverage to more than 3.9 million residents.
6. Climate
The Illinois climate and weather are quite continental—think warm summers, cold winters, and plenty of weather fluctuations in between. Summers typically reach the upper 80s, while winter temperatures hover between the 30s and mid-40s.
The state has its fair share of extreme weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes. So, if you’re moving to Illinois, ensure your hazard insurance is valid to protect your property in such situations.
7. Recreation
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Prairie State. You can camp along Lake Michigan’s stunning shores, hike the scenic trails of Shawnee National Forest, or go bird watching in Illinois’ diverse landscapes.
But that’s not all! From vibrant nightlife and world-class food to rich culture and sports, the state has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the Art Institute of Chicago or cheering on the Cubs at Wrigley Field, there’s always an adventure waiting.
How Much Would It Cost to Move to Illinois?
If you’re moving to Illinois, here’s a cost breakdown:
1. Moving Costs – $509 and $6,145
There’s nothing wrong with a little DIY, so you could rent a truck. If you want to move 4,000-6,000 pounds, a mid-sized truck would cost anywhere between $40 to $80 per day.
On the other hand, you could always consider professional movers. Moving services in Illinois typically charge $192 per hour, which includes 2-3 movers and a truck. This also depends on the distance traveled and your belongings.
2. Housing Costs
The average rent in major cities like Chicago and Rockford ranges between $1,200 to $2,500. In contrast, Hoopeston and Decatur cost almost 29.4% and 27.1% less than the US median. So, if you’re looking for affordable housing, explore cheap houses for sale in Illinois.
3. Utility Expenses – $300 to $500 Per Month
Utilities will cost you around $330/month for basics like water, gas, and electricity. It costs $151 to register your vehicle in Illinois for the first time. Additionally, a standard title fee starts at $150.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Illinois
Here are a few things to know before moving to Illinois:
- Do Your Homework: Research the Illinois housing market thoroughly, from home prices to market trends. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your neighborhood’s layout to ensure easy access to essential amenities.
- Inspect the Living Costs: Before moving to Illinois, make sure you get an estimate of the utility bills. Speak to your local telemarketer to understand what your phone and WiFi charges would look like.
- Explore Recreational Opportunities: Find out if there are any restaurants, malls, or parks around you. If you’re in Savannah, you should stop by the iconic Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect and socialize with your neighbors, and check if there’s a local homeowners association (HOA). Also, explore if the community holds any exciting events or mixers.
Is Illinois a Good Place to Live?
Yes, living in Illinois could pan out great for you! The top-notch healthcare system and robust job market are only a few of the reasons to move to Illinois. However, be prepared for the heavy taxes and the traffic congestion in the state.
Here’s the best part, the cost of living in Illinois is 8% below the US median. So, are you ready to enjoy a vibrant and affordable life in the Prairie State?
