Moving from Illinois to Alabama
Moving from Illinois to Alabama covers about 682 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistIL vs AL at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
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 Alabama are about 11% lower than in Illinois — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
Lower property taxes
Alabama's effective property tax rate (0.37%) is lower than Illinois's (1.88%) — a plus if you're buying a home.
A much warmer climate
Alabama averages 12°F warmer than Illinois. Lighten your wardrobe, plan for air conditioning, and pace outdoor tasks on moving day.
Before You Leave Illinois
File a part-year IL-1040 with Schedule NR
For the year you move, file Form IL-1040 with Schedule NR. Illinois taxes all income you received while you lived here. After you move, it taxes only income from Illinois sources. On Schedule NR, enter the dates you lived in Illinois and in your new state. If your new state also taxed income you earned as an Illinois resident, you may get a credit on Schedule CR.
Source: Illinois Department of Revenue, Schedule NR InstructionsRent from a house you kept stays taxable
After you move, keep reporting net income from real estate located in Illinois on Schedule NR. If you sell Illinois real estate, report that gain too. Illinois does not tax a nonresident on nonbusiness gains from intangibles, such as stock.
Source: Illinois Department of Revenue, Schedule NR InstructionsIn Cook County, remove a homestead exemption you no longer qualify for
You can get a homestead exemption only on your main residence. If the house is no longer your main residence, apply to the Cook County Assessor to remove the exemption. The Assessor audits exemptions. If you kept one you were not entitled to, it bills the tax, interest, and penalties. It can also put a lien on the property.
Source: Cook County Assessor, Erroneous ExemptionsReport the sale if you sell the car before you move
If you sell your vehicle, tell the Secretary of State. Do it at a DMV, or mail the Seller's Report of Sale form. Until the record changes, emissions test notices keep coming to you.
Source: Illinois Air Team (Illinois EPA), FAQsIllinois does not issue clearance letters
Your new state may ask for proof that your Illinois license is valid. Illinois stopped issuing clearance letters in 1997. Other states check your record through the Problem Driver Pointer System. If your new state still wants written proof, order a copy of your Illinois driving record.
Source: Illinois Secretary of State, Drivers FAQDestroy your FOID card if it is revoked after the move
A FOID card can be revoked when the holder no longer lives in Illinois. If yours is revoked for that reason, destroy the card. Follow the firearm laws of your new state.
Source: Illinois State Police, Office of Firearms Safety FAQsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 682 miles (~12.5 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 Alabama DMV, register to vote in AL, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Illinois
Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Alabama
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Illinois
Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Illinois to Alabama?
The driving distance from Illinois to Alabama is approximately 682 miles — about 12.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Alabama?
A professional interstate move from Illinois to Alabama typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000, 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 Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 85 for Alabama (US average = 100).
- Overall, Alabama is about 11% lower than Illinois.
How do property taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois's effective property tax rate is about 1.88%, versus 0.37% in Alabama.
- On a typical home that difference lowers 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 Alabama?
After establishing residency in Alabama, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Alabama 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 Alabama DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Alabama?
Alabama has humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- The annual average temperature is 64°F, with about 58 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $174.