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Moving from Illinois to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 1.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 14% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Virginia
100.3
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Virginia
100.2
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 9.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Virginia
100.2
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 44% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 30% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 47% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 6.9% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Virginia
208
Virginia has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 10% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
Virginia
41
Virginia has 2.5% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 21% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisVirginia 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 Virginia than Illinois?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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