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Moving from Michigan to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

MI state flag
Living now

Michigan

Capital: Lansing

Median household income $68,995 · winter low 17°F · 165 sunny days

Great Lakes, auto industry, rebounding Detroit.

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
Michigan
96.2
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 3.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Michigan
82.3
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 14% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Michigan
99.1
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Michigan
99.4
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Michigan
21.2 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 11% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Michigan
99.2
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Michigan
$254,200
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 10% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Michigan
$967/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 21% more expensive 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
Michigan
82°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Michigan
17°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 12% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Michigan
46°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 15% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Michigan
165
Illinois
189
Illinois has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Michigan
33 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 20% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Michigan
44
Illinois
40
Illinois has 9.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
Michigan
77 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 75% less annual snowfall

Get the full MichiganIllinois 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 Michigan?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.2 for Michigan — 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?

Michigan tops out at 4.25% 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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