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Moving from Virginia to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Illinois
100.0
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Illinois
100.0
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 11% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Illinois
100.0
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 30% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 23% 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
Virginia
87°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 2.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 32% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 6.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Illinois
189
Illinois has 9.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 9.1% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Illinois
40
Illinois has 2.4% lower AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 27% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaIllinois 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 Virginia?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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