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State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to Illinois

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to Illinois move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to Illinois

Population12.8M
State Income Tax4.95%
Avg Home Price$270,000
Avg Rent$1,300/mo
Property Tax Rate2.27%

Why Are People Moving from California to Illinois?

The migration corridor between California and Illinois is a popular interstate move. Thousands of households explore this route every year.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Illinois is significantly lower than California, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in Illinois is $515,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Illinois average 28°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: Illinois's key industries include Finance, Manufacturing, Technology, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

2015 mi
29h drive
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
via I-80 West / I-76 West
2251 mi
40.9h drive
San Diego, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-20 East
2389 mi
43.4h drive
San Jose, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-40 East
2130 mi
31h drive
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
via I-80 West
2268 mi
41.2h drive
Fresno, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-40 East
2326 mi
42.3h drive
Sacramento, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-40 East
2265 mi
41.2h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-40 East
2252 mi
40.9h drive
Anaheim, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-20 East
2253 mi
41h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-20 East
2273 mi
41.3h drive
Long Beach, CA
Chicago, IL
via I-20 East

Cities in California

Los Angeles

Population4.0M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Diego

Population1.4M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Jose

Population1.0M
Median Home Price$1,200,000

San Francisco

Population874K
Median Home Price$1,400,000

Fresno

Population542K
Median Home Price$340,000

Sacramento

Population525K
Median Home Price$430,000

Bakersfield

Population403K
Median Home Price$340,000

Anaheim

Population350K
Median Home Price$750,000

Santa Ana

Population309K
Median Home Price$700,000

Long Beach

Population467K
Median Home Price$700,000

Cities in Illinois

Chicago

Population2.7M
Median Home Price$315,000

Other Major Cities

Aurora
Naperville
Rockford
Springfield

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 2242 miles between California and Illinois:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,921
3–4 BR Home
$4,690

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

California → Illinois Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Illinois driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Illinois within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Illinois after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Illinois vehicle inspection requirement: Emissions in Chicago and Metro East.

Things to Know About Illinois

  • • Property taxes are among the highest in the nation
  • • Chicago has additional city taxes on many goods and services
  • • I-PASS/E-ZPass is essential for toll roads around Chicago

What's Different: California vs Illinois

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
Illinois Income Tax:4.95%
California Property Tax:0.76%
Illinois Property Tax:2.27%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
Illinois Summer Avg:84°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
Illinois Winter Avg:28°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
Illinois COL Index:97
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
Illinois Avg Home Price:$270,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
Illinois Avg Rent:$1,300/mo

Ready to make the move to Illinois?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and Illinois.