Moving to Texas From Illinois: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about moving to Texas from Illinois, you’re not alone! In fact, many people make the move every year and moving from places like Chicago is becoming more popular in 2024.

There are a lot of great reasons to make the switch – Texas is a beautiful state with a lot to offer – but there are also some things you need to know before making the move.

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of moving to Texas from Illinois, as well as some of the key differences between the two states. We’ll also give you some tips on making the transition go smoothly. So if you’re considering making the move, read on!

ProsCons
Warm WeatherNo Snow
Good Job MarketNo Casinos
Large, affordable housesFar from Midwest and Northeast USA

Why People Are Moving From Illinois to Texas

Texas is a popular place to move to for a lot of reasons. The state has a strong economy, a growing population, and plenty of job opportunities. It’s also home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. And let’s not forget about the weather – Texas enjoys warm weather all year round, while Illinois experiences extreme temperatures in both winter and summer.

Warm Weather

One of the main reasons people leave Illinois and the cold Chicago winter for Texas is the weather. Unlike Illinois and the midwest, Texas has warm weather all year round. This is a huge perk for many people, especially those who don’t enjoy the cold winters. It almost never snows in Texas, and the temperature only spends a few days each year below freezing.

Job Opportunities

Texas is also a great place to live if you’re looking for work. The state has a strong economy, and the job market is growing quickly. In recent years, many companies have moved to Texas or expanded their operations there. This has created plenty of new jobs in a variety of industries like Oil and Gas in the Houston area, tech and software in Austin and countless enterprise companies moving to North Dallas.

Lower Cost of Living

A lower cost of living means your dollar goes further – which is important for young families and retirees. In Texas, the cost of living is about 12% lower than the national average. This is thanks to a number of factors, like lower housing costs and no state income tax.

No State Income Taxes

Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax while Texas has 0%. That means if you’re moving from Illinois to Texas, you’ll have a lot more money in your pocket each month. This is one of the biggest reasons people move to Texas – especially if they’re retired or working remotely.

One thing to note – Texas does have slightly higher property tax rates than Illinois. So while you may save on income taxes, you may pay a bit more in property taxes.

Rural vs. Urban

Texas is a large and diverse state, with both rural and urban areas. This can be a big change for people moving from Illinois, which is mostly urban. If you’re moving to Texas from Illinois – especially from a large city like Chicage – then you may be surprised by the slower pace of life and lack of amenities in rural areas.

On the other hand, Texas also has some of the largest and most vibrant cities in the country. Houston, Dallas, and Austin are all booming metropolises with plenty to offer. So whether you’re looking for a big city experience or a small town in West Texas then you’ll find what you’re looking for.

State and Local Politics

The political climate in Texas is very different from Illinois. Texas is a red state, while Illinois is blue. This means that if you’re moving to Texas from Illinois, you may be surprised by the political landscape. In recent years, Texas has become more conservative and many of the state’s politicians are aligned with the Republican Party.

However, it’s important to note that not all Texans are conservative. The state is politically diverse, and you’ll find people of all political stripes living there. In fact, Austin – the state capital – is considered one of the most liberal cities in Texas and the big cities like Houston and Dallas consistently vote blue.

Large, Cheap Houses

One reason families like to move to Texas is the large, cheap houses. In Illinois, the average home price is $350,00 while in Texas it’s only $225,000 for an average 4-bedroom house in 2024. This means you can get a lot more house for your money if you’re moving to Texas from Illinois.

Of course, this isn’t true for all of Texas. Home prices in big cities like Houston, Austin, and North Dallas have gone up in recent years. But if you’re moving to a smaller city or town then you’ll find that Texas homes are much more affordable than in Illinois.

Good Public Schools and Universities

Texas is home to many of the top public school districts and world-famous universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M and Baylor. Texas’s high-quality education systems are one of the reasons many families move here from out of state.

If you’re moving to Texas from Illinois, then you’ll be happy to know that your children will have access to some of the best schools in the country for Pre-K to College.

Friendly People and Culture

Texas is home to some of the friendliest people in the country. People here are known for their southern hospitality and down-to-earth attitude. You may find that people in Texas are more open and friendly than what you’re used to in Illinois.

Once you move into your new home it won’t be hard to meet your neighbors and make friends. There are also many community events and festivals that you can attend to get to know the local culture.

Tex Mex Food and BBQ

Of course, every state has its own culture and you’ll find that Texas is no different. From the food like Tex Mex and BBQ to the music and art, there’s plenty to for your taste buds to explore in Texas.

If you are new to the state we recommend trying BBQ from one of the many local restaurants. We also recommend visiting a Tex Mex restaurant to get a taste of the delicious foods like tacos and salsa that are unique to South Texas.

Average Cost of Moving from Illinois To Texas in 2022

Moving a family of 4 to the Lone Star State from Illinois costs about $24,000 on average. This includes the cost of hiring professional movers, renting a moving truck, and other moving-related expenses like packing supplies and temporary housing.

The exact cost of your move will depend on a number of factors such as the size of your family, where you’re moving from in Illinois, and what kind of home you’re moving into in Texas.

One way to decrease the cost of moving is to do it yourself. This means renting a moving truck and doing all the packing and unpacking yourself. However, this is a lot of work and can be very stressful if you have never driven a large truck. If you’re not up for the challenge then we recommend hiring professional movers to do the job for you.

Other Important Considerations

Making the move from Illinois to Texas is a big decision and there are many things to consider before making the leap. In addition to the cost of moving and the climate, you’ll also want to think about things like job prospects, housing availability, and the overall culture of the state.

If you’re moving for a job then you’ll want to make sure that there are good job prospects in your field in Texas. The job market has been growing rapidly in recent years, but it’s still important to do your research before making the move.

Housing availability is another important consideration, especially if you’re moving to a large city like Houston or Dallas. The good news is that there’s plenty of new construction taking place to the North of the main cities in areas like Prosper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Illinois?

It is cheaper to live in Texas than Illinois. The cost of living in Texas is about 88% of the national average, while the cost of living in Illinois is about 105% of the national average.

Why are people from Illinois moving to Texas?

The main reasons people are leaving Illinois and Chicago for Texas are the warm weather, good job market and lower cost of living.

Is it worth relocating to Texas from Chicago?

It is worth moving to Texas from Chicago if you are looking for a better job market, warmer weather and a lower cost of living. Texas also has no state income tax, which can be a big advantage. However, there are some things to consider before making the move, such as culture shock and distance from family and friends.

How much would it cost to move to Texas from Illinois?

On average it costs about $5000 to move from Illinois to Texas. This includes the cost of a moving truck, gas, lodging and food on the road. It does not include the cost of hiring movers or other professional services which can add another $3,000.