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Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Illinois
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have โ as well as your home size and layout โ will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What to know before moving from Houston, TX, to Illinois
If youโre moving to Illinois from Houston, TX, youโll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Houston vs. Illinois
| Houston, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $263,945 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $78,433 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
Illinois sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 30% less expensive in Illinois than in Houston.
- Home prices are about 4.9% lower in Illinois than in Houston.
- The average income is about 11.8% higher in Illinois than in Houston.
- Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than Houston by about 29.3%.
- Income taxes are 4.95% higher in Illinois than in Houston.
How life is different in Houston, TX, from Illinois
| Houston, TX | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 94ยบF | 86ยบF |
| Winter low | 43ยบF | 17ยบF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 22" |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 19.7 |
Illinois sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Illinois is approximately 445% greater than the population of Houston.
- In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and Houston voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ยบ F and in Houston, itโs 94ยบ F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ยบ F and Houston gets down to 43ยบ F.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois vs. 53 inches of rainfall in Houston.
- In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in Houston.
Comparing the pros of Houston, TX, vs. Illinois:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Houston vs Illinois side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Houston, TX | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Home of Chicago |
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious seafood | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Diversity | Delicious food |
| Affordable housing | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Houston, TX, vs. Illinois:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Houston for Illinois.
| Cons of living in Houston, TX | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Tropical storms | Harsh winter weather |
| Heat and humidity | Bad traffic |
| Terrible traffic | High crime rate |
| Limited public transportation | Dull landscape |
| High crime rate | Strict laws |
Other considerations when moving to Illinois from Houston
- Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley".
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies youโre considering have one and that itโs current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois 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 Illinois. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
Whether youโre looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโll be happy to find a plethora of these in Illinois.
Museums in Illinois
Parks in Illinois
Sports Teams in Illinois
Universities in Illinois
FAQs
How long does a move from Houston to Illinois take?
The time it takes to move from Houston, TX, to Illinois depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโre using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
What is the best way to get a car from Houston to Illinois?
Need to get your car from Houston to Illinois? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Houston to Illinois car shippers.
Why are people moving from Houston to Illinois?
Many people are moving to Illinois because of its home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Houston because of the tropical storms and heat and humidity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Houston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Houston.
