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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Illinois to Florida

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

Quick Comparison

Leaving Illinois

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

Moving to Florida

Population21.5M
State Income Tax0% (None)
Avg Home Price$400,000
Avg Rent$1,700/mo
Property Tax Rate0.89%

Why Are People Moving from Illinois to Florida?

The migration corridor between Illinois and Florida is a popular interstate move. Illinois has been experiencing net outflow while Florida continues to attract new residents.

Tax Savings: Florida has no state income tax, compared to 4.95% in Illinois. This tax difference is one of the primary financial motivations for this move.

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. Housing in Florida costs about $130,000 more on average, so budget accordingly.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Florida average 60°F, compared to 28°F in Illinois.

Jobs & Industry: Florida's key industries include Tourism, Agriculture, Aerospace, which attract professionals from Illinois's Finance and Manufacturing sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

1123 mi
20.4h drive
Chicago, IL
Jacksonville, FL
via I-65 South / I-80 East
1380 mi
20h drive
Chicago, IL
Miami, FL
via I-65 South / I-75 South
1140 mi
17h drive
Chicago, IL
Tampa, FL
via I-65 South / I-75 South
1100 mi
16h drive
Chicago, IL
Orlando, FL
via I-65 South / I-75 South
1520 mi
27.6h drive
Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
via I-65 South

Cities in Illinois

Chicago

Population2.7M
Median Home Price$315,000

Other Major Cities

Aurora
Naperville
Rockford
Springfield

Cities in Florida

Jacksonville

Population950K
Median Home Price$280,000

Miami

Population442K
Median Home Price$550,000

Tampa

Population385K
Median Home Price$380,000

Orlando

Population308K
Median Home Price$350,000

Fort Lauderdale

Population183K
Median Home Price$420,000

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 1253 miles between Illinois and Florida:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,427
3–4 BR Home
$3,504

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

Illinois → Florida Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Florida within 30 days.

Voter Registration

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

Vehicle Inspection

Florida vehicle inspection requirement: Not required.

Things to Know About Florida

  • • No state income tax on wages or salary
  • • Homestead exemption can significantly reduce property taxes
  • • Hurricane preparedness and flood insurance are essential

What's Different: Illinois vs Florida

Taxes

Illinois Income Tax:4.95%
Florida Income Tax:None
Illinois Property Tax:2.27%
Florida Property Tax:0.89%

Weather

Illinois Summer Avg:84°F
Florida Summer Avg:92°F
Illinois Winter Avg:28°F
Florida Winter Avg:60°F

Cost of Living

Illinois COL Index:97
Florida COL Index:103
Illinois Avg Home Price:$270,000
Florida Avg Home Price:$400,000
Illinois Avg Rent:$1,300/mo
Florida Avg Rent:$1,700/mo

Ready to make the move to Florida?

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