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Moving from Alabama to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

AL state flag
Living now

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

IL state flag
Moving to

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

Illinois has an overall price level 100.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alabama
88.8
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 13% higher overall price level
Housing index
Alabama
61.8
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 52% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Alabama
97.2
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alabama
98.3
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 10.0% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alabama
97.8
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.3% higher transportation
Median home value
Alabama
$233,300
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 20% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alabama
$889/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 31% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alabama
91°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 6.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Alabama
35°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 46% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alabama
63°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alabama
213
Illinois
189
Illinois has 11% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alabama
56 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 28% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alabama
42
Illinois
40
Illinois has 4.8% lower AQI
Snow / year
Alabama
1 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 1800% more annual snowfall

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Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois than Alabama?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.9 for Alabama — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alabama tops out at 5% income tax. Illinois tops out at 4.95%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Illinois?

Most Illinois residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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