New Jersey Local Expert
Diane Briante
“I’ve been rooted in New Jersey since day one and have lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before…”
Read more about me
From New Jersey to Illinois: A Complete Moving Checklist
Swapping the Garden State for the Land of Lincoln comes with more surprises than most people anticipate. New Jersey offers dense suburbs, a short commute into Manhattan, and that unmistakable East Coast energy, while Illinois trades the Atlantic proximity for the vast flatlands of the Midwest and the electric pulse of Chicago. The cost of living shift alone is enough to make your head spin, and that is before you account for the brutal winters both states deliver in very different ways. Our Snappy Scout team (Diane & Hannah) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you should expect before packing the first box.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
How Far Are You Moving from New Jersey to IL?
Average distance
790miles
Typical route
The drive from New Jersey to Illinois typically follows I-78 West or I-76 West through Pennsylvania, connecting to I-70 West or I-76/I-80 West, then continuing into Illinois via I-80 West or I-70 West.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Newark, NJ → Chicago, IL
~800 miles
Jersey City, NJ → Chicago, IL
~800 miles
Trenton, NJ → Springfield, IL
~800 miles
Atlantic City, NJ → Chicago, IL
~850 miles
Camden, NJ → Rockford, IL
~750 miles
Should You Move From New Jersey to Illinois Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Illinois from New Jersey 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.
How Much Do Long-Distance Movers Bill from New Jersey to IL?
Moving 790 miles from New Jersey to Illinois will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$5,000.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,420.00
1 Bedroom
$2,100.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,460.00
3 Bedrooms
$5,010.00
4 Bedrooms
$7,210.00
5+ Bedrooms
$8,020.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,420.00 | 300 | $4.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,100.00 | 450 | $4.67 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,460.00 | 750 | $4.61 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,010.00 | 1,100 | $4.55 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,210.00 | 1,600 | $4.51 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,020.00 | 1,800 | $4.46 |
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.
Will Your Lifestyle Thrive in IL?
Well, it depends. If you're a Craft Beer Fan, Minimalist, or Dog Momma, you'll thrive in your move to Illinois. But if you're more of a Wall Street Exec, PTA President, or Retired Snowbird, 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 New Jersey to Illinois.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from NJ to IL
Craft Beer Culture
New Jersey
8
/10
Illinois
9.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Kane waves, Carton cans, Mudhen Brew, Cape May Brewing, boardwalk buzz
Illinois
Gaining
Revolution, Half Acre, Maplewood taps flow nonstop.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
Logan SquareAvondale
New Jersey
8
/10
Illinois
9.5
/10
Minimalism
New Jersey
4.5
/10
Illinois
6
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Sleek condos with NYC skyline views, but NJ Turnpike clutter follows unless you rely on PATH or light rail
Illinois
Gaining
CTA commutes and winter gear challenge clean lines.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Minimalists
StreetervilleWest Loop condos
New Jersey
4.5
/10
Illinois
6
/10
Pet Friendly
New Jersey
8
/10
Illinois
9
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Pier A dog runs, South Mountain trails, dog-friendly patios and beaches
Illinois
Gaining
Parks, patios, and Montrose Dog Beach zoomies.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Dog Mommas
Lincoln ParkMontrose Dog Beach
New Jersey
8
/10
Illinois
9
/10
Wall Street Life
New Jersey
6
/10
Illinois
4
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
NJ Transit Midtown Direct, Summit clubs, financial district across Hudson
Illinois
Gaining
LaSalle Street deals exist, but not Manhattan bonus culture.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Wall Street Execs
Chicago Loop
New Jersey
6
/10
Illinois
4
/10
PTA Life
New Jersey
9
/10
Illinois
8
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Friday lights, School pride, NJEA bake sale legends
Illinois
Gaining
Top rated schools, Naperville Centennial Beach, weekend carpool Olympics.
Recommended IL cities/areas for PTA Presidents
NapervilleNorthbrook
New Jersey
9
/10
Illinois
8
/10
Snowbirds
New Jersey
5
/10
Illinois
4.5
/10
New Jersey
Giving up
Locals say the "Cape May bubble" keeps that area calm, but winters are colder than Boca Raton
Illinois
Gaining
Charming summers, but Lake Michigan winters chase you south.
Recommended IL cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
GalenaSpringfield
New Jersey
5
/10
Illinois
4.5
/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 New Jersey and living in Illinois
New JerseyIllinois
The Eating Culture Between New Jersey and IL
Eating Like a Local in New Jersey
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Diane BrianteNew Jersey 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 ExpertWhat the Move to IL from New Jersey Costs You for Your Tax Reality
New Jersey
Illinois
New JerseyvsIllinois
State Income Tax
State Income TaxProgressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Flat 4.95% statewide
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
VS
Illinois
Flat 4.95% statewide
Property Taxes
Property TaxesNorth Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Among highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
VS
Illinois
Among highest nationally, Cook County complex, suburban collar counties high, downstate generally lower
Moving to IL from New Jersey: The Cultural, Political, & Religious Reality
New Jersey
Illinois
New JerseyvsIllinois
People
PeopleDirect, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Polite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
VS
Illinois
Polite Midwesterners, Chicago hustle, small town neighborly, sports obsessed, weather tough
Politics
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
VS
Illinois
Reliably blue statewide, Chicago deep Democratic, suburbs trend blue, downstate more conservative
Religion
ReligionLargely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Mostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
VS
Illinois
Mostly Christian, strong Catholic in Chicago, notable evangelical downstate, sizable Muslim and Jewish, rising unaffiliated
What Looks Different About the Weather When You Move to IL from New Jersey
SUMMER
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
Illinois
Cornfield steam bath - sticky 90s from Chicago to Carbondale, perfect for iced coffee and complaining about humidity
WINTER
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
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 ExpertNext 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 New Jersey, 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
