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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
Illinois
103.8
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 2.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 24% 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
$1,322/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 46% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
82
District of Columbia
53
District of Columbia has 35% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Illinois
2
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
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, and a 90-day move 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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