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Moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 10% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
Illinois
100.0
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 9.8% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
Illinois
100.0
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 1.1% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 9.9% 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
Illinois
85°F
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 14% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 4.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
Illinois
189
Illinois has 5.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 8.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
Illinois
40
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 56% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaIllinois 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 Pennsylvania?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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