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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
Illinois
103.8
Virginia
100.4
Virginia has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Virginia
100.2
Electricity rate
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.4 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 15% 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
$1,322/mo
Virginia
$1,646/mo
Virginia is 25% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
82
Virginia
41
Virginia has 50% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Illinois
2
Virginia
0
Virginia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
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, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

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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