Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
Moving from Florida to IL: The Price Tag Most People Don't Expect
Trading sun-soaked beaches and year-round warmth for four true seasons and a world-class city is a bigger leap than most Florida residents expect. Illinois offers a pace and culture that feels refreshingly different from the Sunshine State, but the gap in climate, taxes, and daily life can catch even well-prepared movers off guard. Florida living tends to revolve around the outdoors, the coast, and a relatively light tax burden, while Illinois brings urban density, cold winters, and a notably different cost structure to the table. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Hannah) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you need to understand before you start loading the moving truck.
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Who's Behind This Guide
How Many Miles You'd Drive from Florida to Illinois?
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
The drive from Florida to Illinois typically follows I-75 North through Georgia and Tennessee, then connects to I-24 or I-65 before picking up I-57 or I-55 into Illinois. Alternatively, drivers may take I-95 North to I-26 or cut inland via I-10 West to I-65 North depending on their Florida origin city.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Chicago, IL
~1350 miles
Orlando, FL → Chicago, IL
~1150 miles
Tampa, FL → Chicago, IL
~1100 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Chicago, IL
~1000 miles
Tallahassee, FL → Springfield, IL
~1000 miles
Should You Move From Florida to Illinois Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Illinois from Florida is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
The Honest Cost of Relocating from Florida to Illinois
Moving 1,150 miles from Florida to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
That's the average.
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How Will Your Current Florida Personality Work in Illinois?
Well, it depends. If you're a Hipster, Tech Bro, or Vintage Thrifter, you'll thrive in your move to Illinois. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Retired Snowbird, or Cowboy, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Florida to Illinois.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to IL
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
Illinois
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
Illinois
Gaining
Pilsen murals, Thalia Hall shows, vintage everywhere.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Hipsters
Wicker ParkPilsen
Florida
5
/10
Illinois
8.5
/10
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
Illinois
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
Illinois
Gaining
1871, Cameo, and tasty lunch at Au Cheval.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Tech Bros
Fulton MarketRiver North
Florida
3.5
/10
Illinois
7
/10
Thrifting
Florida
5.5
/10
Illinois
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Retro Florida flair hides in antique shops and swap meets.
Illinois
Gaining
Brown Elephant, Kokorokoko, hidden gems on Clark Street.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Vintage Thrifters
AndersonvilleWicker Park
Florida
5.5
/10
Illinois
8.5
/10
Beach Culture
Florida
10
/10
Illinois
3.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Year-round surf, sand, and Margaritaville moods everywhere you go.
Illinois
Gaining
Fun summers on Lake Michigan, but winter waves slap dreams silly.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Beach Bums
Montrose BeachOak Street Beach
Florida
10
/10
Illinois
3.5
/10
Snowbirds
Florida
9.5
/10
Illinois
4.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
Illinois
Gaining
Charming summers, but Lake Michigan winters chase you south.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
GalenaSpringfield
Florida
9.5
/10
Illinois
4.5
/10
Cowboys
Florida
6.5
/10
Illinois
3.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Illinois
Gaining
Illinois State Fair rodeos scratch itch, but Fort Worth it ain't.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Cowboys
SpringfieldRockford
Florida
6.5
/10
Illinois
3.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Illinois?
You'll know you're in Illinois when locals start discussing corn sweat season! You smell it in the air and feel it on your skin... and unfortunately it's not sweet like the corn in fall. Corn sweat is essentially humidity season and the closer you are to a corn field, the worse this humidity - and your allergies - flare.
– Hannah Swieczka
Illinois Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in Illinois
FloridaIllinois
The Real Eating Rules of Eating Like a Local in Florida and Illinois
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Illinois
While Chicago is all about deep dish pizza and Italian beef, Illinois has a much more mature palate. Depending on which exact city or suburb you find yourself in, the locals may eat differently. Rule #1, avoid chain restaurants (with the exception of Chicago-based chains, such as Portillo's Hot Dogs). Otherwise, find the mom & pop restaurant and trust your instinct! Any place named after a person won't steer you wrong.
Hannah SwieczkaIllinois Local ExpertIllinois looking like
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Is Illinois a More Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Life?
Florida
Illinois
FloridavsIllinois
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Flat 4.95% statewide
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
Illinois
Flat 4.95% statewide
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Among highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
Illinois
Among highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
Moving to Illinois from Florida: The People, Politics, & Religion Shift
Florida
Illinois
FloridavsIllinois
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Polite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
Illinois
Polite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
Illinois
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Mostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
Illinois
Mostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
Climate in Florida vs Illinois: A Local's Unfiltered Take
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
Illinois
Cornfield steam bath - sticky 90s from Chicago to Carbondale, perfect for iced coffee and complaining about humidity
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
Illinois
Face-numbing cold (lakefront stings)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Illinois
Memorial Day in Illinois is the official start of summer! With so many activities dependent on the weather, Illinois doesn't wait for the solstice. Summer here runs from Memorial Day (or Memorial Day Weekend - "MDW") to Labor Day Weekend ("LDW"), no questions asked. MDW marks the opening of many beaches, parks, and seasonal restaurants, plus that first real stretch of weekends where everybody suddenly remembers how to be outside. It's when grills reappear and the propane is refilled, lake plans are penciled in planners, and the whole state has one discussion regarding our winter experiences.
Hannah SwieczkaIllinois Local Expert✧ You've researched the move ✧
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Next Steps
Learn More About Moving to Illinois
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Florida, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Illinois. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Illinois local experts.
Moving toAurora
Prepare for Cornfields, Metra Commutes, and Taco Runs
Moving toChicago
Dibs, Divvy, Chicago Dogs
Moving toBolingbrook
Prepare for Strip Malls, Suburbs… and the Weirdly Persistent UFO Stories
