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Moving from Massachusetts to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 5.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 27% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
Illinois
103.8
Illinois has 5.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 30% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 54% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
Illinois
$1,322/mo
Illinois is 28% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Massachusetts
82°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 14% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 74% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
Illinois
189
Illinois has 302% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 13% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
Illinois
82
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
Illinois
2
Illinois has 92% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
19 in

Get the full MassachusettsIllinois report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois than Massachusetts?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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