MoveCheck

Moving from Illinois

Illinois faces some of the most acute outbound migration pressures of any Midwestern state. Property taxes averaging 2.08% — second highest in the nation — combined with a 4.95% flat income tax and fiscal uncertainty in state government motivate residents to look for relief elsewhere. This page covers every Illinois-origin route we track.

Generate My Moving Checklist

Illinois at a Glance

Taxes

State income tax4.95%
State sales tax6.25%
Property tax (eff.)2.08%

Climate

Avg annual temp52°F
Annual precipitation39″

Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Cost of Living

COL index97.8 (US=100)
Avg electric bill$89/mo

Why People Move from Illinois

The state's fiscal challenges translate directly to property owners: Illinois property tax rates are driven by pension obligations and have proven politically resistant to reform. Chicago residents also pay local taxes on top of state rates, creating one of the highest combined tax burdens in any major US metro.

Illinois outbound movers often head to neighboring low-tax states or warm-weather destinations. Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri are the most common short-distance destinations. Florida, Arizona, and Colorado attract longer-distance moves. The pattern is consistent: people are optimizing for lower taxes and housing costs.

Popular Routes Moving from Illinois

Illinois → CaliforniaIllinois → ColoradoIllinois → IowaIllinois → KansasIllinois → LouisianaIllinois → MassachusettsIllinois → MissouriIllinois → MississippiIllinois → OhioIllinois → PennsylvaniaIllinois → WashingtonIllinois → WisconsinIllinois → AlaskaIllinois → AlabamaIllinois → ArkansasIllinois → ArizonaIllinois → ConnecticutIllinois → Washington D.C.Illinois → DelawareIllinois → FloridaIllinois → GeorgiaIllinois → HawaiiIllinois → IdahoIllinois → IndianaIllinois → KentuckyIllinois → MarylandIllinois → MaineIllinois → MichiganIllinois → MinnesotaIllinois → MontanaIllinois → North CarolinaIllinois → North DakotaIllinois → NebraskaIllinois → New HampshireIllinois → New JerseyIllinois → New MexicoIllinois → NevadaIllinois → New YorkIllinois → OklahomaIllinois → OregonIllinois → Rhode IslandIllinois → South CarolinaIllinois → South DakotaIllinois → TennesseeIllinois → TexasIllinois → UtahIllinois → VirginiaIllinois → VermontIllinois → West VirginiaIllinois → Wyoming

Illinois DMV & Registration

Illinois allows 90 days to update your driver's license after establishing residency in another state. Illinois requires vehicle emissions tests in most counties — this doesn't transfer to your new state, but your destination may have its own requirements.

Official Illinois DMV →
Build My Moving Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reasons people leave Illinois?

Property taxes are the most frequently cited driver — Illinois ranks second nationally at a 2.08% effective rate. State pension underfunding creates uncertainty about future rates. The state income tax (4.95% flat) sits on top of some of the highest local taxes in the Midwest.

How much does it cost to move from Illinois to another state?

Moves to neighboring states (Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri) typically cost $1,500–$4,000. Moves to warmer destinations (Florida, Texas, Arizona) run $3,000–$7,000. California and Pacific Northwest moves cost $4,500–$9,000.

Does Illinois have income tax reciprocity when I move?

Illinois has tax reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin — if you work in one state but live in the other, you only pay income tax to your state of residence. Once you move out of Illinois, file a part-year Illinois return for the year of the move and stop filing after that unless you earn Illinois-sourced income.

What are the most popular states people move to from Illinois?

Texas and Florida are the top long-distance destinations, followed by Indiana, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Indiana is particularly common for northwest Illinois residents who effectively live in the Chicago metro. Colorado and Tennessee have grown as remote-work destinations.

What happens to my Illinois FOID card when I move?

Your Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification card is state-specific and becomes invalid when you're no longer an Illinois resident. You'll need your new state's equivalent (if applicable). There is no formal FOID surrender process required, but you should not use it for purchases once you've changed your state of residency.