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Moving from Illinois to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

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

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

AK state flag
Moving to

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

Alaska has an overall price level 102.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 2.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Alaska
93.8
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Alaska
100.4
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 44% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Alaska
100.5
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 34% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 10% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 65°F · Winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 24% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 58% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 37% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Alaska
142
Alaska has 25% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 4.0% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Alaska
8
Alaska has 80% lower AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 347% 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 Alaska than Illinois?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% income tax. Alaska tops out at 0%.

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

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

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