Moving from Virginia to Illinois
Moving from Virginia to Illinois covers about 845 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistVA 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
Higher property taxes
Illinois's effective property tax rate (1.88%) is higher than Virginia's (0.78%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.
Your Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 845 miles (~15.5 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
Virginia
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Illinois
Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Virginia
Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Virginia to Illinois?
The driving distance from Virginia to Illinois is approximately 845 miles — about 15.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to Illinois?
A professional interstate move from Virginia to Illinois 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.
How do property taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia's effective property tax rate is about 0.78%, 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.