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Moving from Illinois to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 5.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 36% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 1.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 0.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 60% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 1.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 116% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 27% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 3.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 16% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 7.1% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 5.8% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 22% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 28% lower AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 163% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisMassachusetts report

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 Massachusetts than Illinois?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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