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Moving from Illinois to Mississippi

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes.

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.

MS state flag
Moving to

Mississippi

Capital: Jackson

Median household income $52,985 · winter low 36°F · 213 sunny days

Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes.

Mississippi has an overall price level 87.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Mississippi
87.0
Mississippi has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Mississippi
56.5
Mississippi has 40% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Mississippi
96.7
Mississippi has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Mississippi
98.0
Mississippi has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Mississippi
16.3 ¢/kWh
Mississippi has 14% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Mississippi
97.4
Mississippi has 2.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Mississippi
$186,500
Mississippi is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Mississippi
$829/mo
Mississippi is 29% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 36°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Mississippi
92°F
Mississippi is 8.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Mississippi
36°F
Mississippi is 89% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Mississippi
64°F
Mississippi is 22% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Mississippi
213
Mississippi has 13% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Mississippi
58 in
Mississippi is 44% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Illinois
40
Mississippi
42
Mississippi has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Mississippi
1 in
Mississippi is 95% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisMississippi 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 Mississippi than Illinois?

Mississippi's overall price level is roughly 86.4 (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. Mississippi tops out at 4%.

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

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

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