Illinois Local Expert
Hannah Swieczka
“I have spent my entire life in Illinois, learning early that the state is equal parts cornfields, quiet downtowns, and…”
Read more about me
Moving from Illinois to FL: Why So Many People Are Doing It
Trading frigid Chicago winters for year-round sunshine seems like an obvious upgrade, but the full picture of relocating from Illinois to Florida is more layered than most people expect. Illinois offers dense urban neighborhoods, distinct seasons, and a Midwest cost of living that quietly subsidizes your daily routine in ways you may not notice until they are gone. Florida, on the other hand, greets you with warm coastlines, no state income tax, and a humidity level that makes August in Chicago feel like a distant memory. The lifestyle shift goes deeper than the weather, though, touching everything from housing markets to traffic patterns to the way communities are built. Our Snappy Scout team (Hannah & Vanessa) dug into the real costs, logistics, and cultural adjustments waiting for anyone making this move, so you can walk into it with your eyes open before packing the first box.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
Illinois to Florida Mileage by the Numbers
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
The drive from Illinois to Florida typically takes you along I-65 S or I-57 S to I-24 S, then I-75 S through Tennessee, Georgia, and into Florida, or alternatively via I-65 S connecting to I-10 E across the Florida Panhandle.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Chicago, IL → Miami, FL
~1350 miles
Chicago, IL → Orlando, FL
~1150 miles
Springfield, IL → Tampa, FL
~1050 miles
Rockford, IL → Jacksonville, FL
~1050 miles
Peoria, IL → Fort Lauderdale, FL
~1250 miles
How Much Is Relocating from Illinois to Florida Going to Run You?
Moving 1,150 miles from Illinois to Florida 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
$1,270.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,080.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,460.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,410.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,120.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270.00 | 300 | $4.23 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080.00 | 750 | $4.11 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,460.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,410.00 | 1,600 | $4.01 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,120.00 | 1,800 | $3.96 |
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.
Who Should Think Twice About the Move from Illinois to Florida?
Well, it depends. If you're a Retired Snowbird, Cowboy, or Yoga Instructor, you'll thrive in your move to Florida. But if you're more of a Stay at Home Mom, Garden Club Lifetime Member, or Binge Shopper, 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 Illinois to Florida.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from IL to FL
Snowbirds
Illinois
4.5
/10
Florida
9.5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Charming summers, but Lake Michigan winters chase you south.
Florida
Gaining
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
NaplesThe VillagesSarasota
Illinois
4.5
/10
Florida
9.5
/10
Cowboys
Illinois
3.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Illinois State Fair rodeos scratch itch, but Fort Worth it ain't.
Florida
Gaining
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Cowboys
OkeechobeeKissimmeeOcala
Illinois
3.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Yoga
Illinois
7.5
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Sunrise at Maggie Daley, chill after at Beatrix.
Florida
Gaining
Beach sunrise flows to start the day. You don't need an indoor gym for hot yoga!
Recommended FL cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
Illinois
7.5
/10
Florida
8.5
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Illinois
8
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Playdate heaven, quaint downtowns, Metra into Chicago.
Florida
Gaining
Great schools and sunshine, but theme park chaos looms close.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
WellingtonWestonWindermere
Illinois
8
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Gardener
Illinois
8
/10
Florida
5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Glencoe blooms and Lisle trees make hearts sprout.
Florida
Gaining
Tropical plants thrive (sorry, not in the panhandle), but summer heat wilts your patience.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Garden Club Lifetime Members
Mount DoraWinter ParkSarasota
Illinois
8
/10
Florida
5
/10
Shopping
Illinois
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Illinois
Giving up
Michigan Avenue sprees, plus suburban hauls for days.
Florida
Gaining
Outlet heaven, but your credit card might melt in the sun.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
OrlandoAventuraPalm Beach
Illinois
8.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Florida?
All the festivals and outdoor events! That's why I moved here. I wanted to get outside more, and this state caters to that perfectly. No matter what city you're in, rest assured every weekend there is some big market, festival, event, sports club, or other attraction happening somewhere near you (or a short-ish drive away), all year long.
– Vanessa Leikvoll
Florida Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Illinois and living in Florida
IllinoisFlorida
The Dining Scene: Illinois vs Florida
Eating 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 ExpertEating 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 ExpertWhat the Move from Illinois to Florida Means for Your Tax Future
Illinois
Florida
IllinoisvsFlorida
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 4.95% statewide
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Illinois
Flat 4.95% statewide
VS
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Property Taxes
Property TaxesAmong highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Illinois
Among highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
VS
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Moving from Illinois to Florida: The Cultural, Political, & Religious Difference
Illinois
Florida
IllinoisvsFlorida
People
PeoplePolite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Illinois
Polite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
VS
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Politics
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Illinois
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
VS
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Illinois
Mostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
VS
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
The Real Weather Reality: Illinois vs Florida
SUMMER
Illinois
Cornfield steam bath - sticky 90s from Chicago to Carbondale, perfect for iced coffee and complaining about humidity
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
WINTER
Illinois
Face-numbing cold (lakefront stings)
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Florida
I personally love the holiday season in Florida. No matter where in the state you are, every city seems to go all-out with its decorations, lights, festivities, and holiday markets. Everyone thinks Florida is just year-long summer vibes, but we sure know how to put on our holiday best.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Florida
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 Illinois, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Florida. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Florida local experts.
Moving toSt. Petersburg
Glow Shuffle, IPAs, HOAs, Flood Maps
