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Moving from Illinois to New Jersey

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

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.

NJ state flag
Moving to

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

New Jersey has an overall price level 108.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
New Jersey
108.8
New Jersey has 8.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
New Jersey
134.3
New Jersey has 43% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Illinois
103.8
New Jersey
107.1
New Jersey has 3.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
New Jersey
101.3
New Jersey has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey has 15% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
New Jersey
101.8
New Jersey has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
New Jersey
$496,000
New Jersey is 77% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,322/mo
New Jersey
$1,800/mo
New Jersey is 36% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
New Jersey
86°F
New Jersey is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
New Jersey
24°F
New Jersey is 26% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
New Jersey
53°F
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
New Jersey
207
New Jersey has 9.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
New Jersey
48 in
New Jersey is 19% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
82
New Jersey
50
New Jersey has 39% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Illinois
2
New Jersey
1
New Jersey has 50% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
New Jersey
24 in
New Jersey is 26% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisNew Jersey 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 New Jersey than Illinois?

New Jersey's overall price level is roughly 110.5 (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. New Jersey tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Jersey?

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

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