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Moving from Maryland to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

IL state flag
Moving to

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

Illinois has an overall price level 100.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Maryland
105.0
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 4.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 47% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 36% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 20% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 2.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 24% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 5.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Illinois
189
Illinois has 4.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 9.1% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Maryland
43
Illinois
40
Illinois has 7.0% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 32% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandIllinois 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 Illinois than Maryland?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% income tax. Illinois tops out at 4.95%.

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

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

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