Moving from Idaho to Illinois
Moving from Idaho to Illinois covers about 1,736 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistID vs IL at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Illinois are about 6% lower than in Idaho — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
Higher property taxes
Illinois's effective property tax rate (1.88%) is higher than Idaho's (0.5%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.
Wetter climate
Illinois gets about 20" more precipitation a year than Idaho. Waterproof gear and covered parking are worth having on arrival.
Your Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 1,736 miles (~31.5 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Illinois DMV, register to vote in IL, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Idaho
Semi-arid and continental with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
Illinois
Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Idaho
Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Idaho to Illinois?
The driving distance from Idaho to Illinois is approximately 1,736 miles — about 31.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Idaho to Illinois?
A professional interstate move from Idaho to Illinois typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has a cost of living index of 101.7 versus 95.1 for Illinois (US average = 100).
- Overall, Illinois is about 6% lower than Idaho.
How do property taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho's effective property tax rate is about 0.5%, versus 1.88% in Illinois.
- On a typical home that difference raises your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Illinois?
After establishing residency in Illinois, you have 90 days to update your driver's license at a Illinois DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Illinois DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Illinois?
Illinois has humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
- The annual average temperature is 52°F, with about 39 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $110.