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Moving from Illinois to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

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.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 9.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 65% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 2.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 33% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 2.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 161% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 64% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 47% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 10.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 4.2% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 12% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 18% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 42% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisDistrict of Columbia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia than Illinois?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (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. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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