State-to-State Guide

Moving from Illinois to Texas

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

Population29.1M
State Income Tax0% (None)
Avg Home Price$340,000
Avg Rent$1,400/mo
Property Tax Rate1.80%

Why Are People Moving from Illinois to Texas?

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

Tax Savings: Texas 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 Texas costs about $70,000 more on average, so budget accordingly.

Climate & Weather: Summers in Texas average 96°F, compared to 84°F in Illinois. Winters in Texas average 48°F, compared to 28°F in Illinois.

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

Cities in Illinois

Other Major Cities

Aurora
Naperville
Rockford
Springfield

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 1150 miles between Illinois and Texas:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,375
3–4 BR Home
$3,380

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

IllinoisTexas Transition Checklist

Driver's License

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

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Texas within 30 days.

Voter Registration

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

Vehicle Inspection

Texas vehicle inspection requirement: Required annually.

Things to Know About Texas

  • No state income tax but property taxes are relatively high
  • Annual vehicle safety inspections required
  • Texas is the only state that was an independent republic

What's Different: Illinois vs Texas

Taxes

Illinois Income Tax:4.95%
Texas Income Tax:None
Illinois Property Tax:2.27%
Texas Property Tax:1.80%

Weather

Illinois Summer Avg:84°F
Texas Summer Avg:96°F
Illinois Winter Avg:28°F
Texas Winter Avg:48°F

Cost of Living

Illinois COL Index:97
Texas COL Index:93
Illinois Avg Home Price:$270,000
Texas Avg Home Price:$340,000
Illinois Avg Rent:$1,300/mo
Texas Avg Rent:$1,400/mo

Ready to make the move to Texas?

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