Are you thinking about moving from Illinois to Georgia? This can be a good idea, but only if you plan it right. If you rush with the move and do not make the right choices, you could easily end up searching for a way back. To avoid this, Verified Movers will show you the most important differences between the two states and how to turn this idea into a sustainable reality. So let’s take a look.
Moving more than 800 miles is difficult and expensive
There are nearly 850 miles between the two states. Meaning that you will have to make an exceptional effort to get from Illinois to Georgia. Moreover, the cost of 800-mile relocation could be somewhere in the range of $2,200 to $5,700, depending on the size of your moving inventory and whether you are hiring some interstate moving companies Illinois to handle the entire process or you are ready to invest some effort in it as well. A cost of nearly $6,000 requires you to think well about whether you really want this or not. And in the following lines, we will take a look at whether relocating to Georgia from Illinois is a financially viable idea or not.
Illinois and Georgia food prices comparison
At first glance, we see that living in Illinois is 3.7% cheaper than living in Georgia. However, whether it will really be more expensive in Georgia, depends on many factors. Eating in restaurants is %1.5 cheaper in Illinois. But if you are more used to prepping your own meals at home, you will surely not be glad to hear that groceries are more than 9% more expensive in Georgia. For example, a basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $16 in Illinois. On the other hand, in Georgia, the same thing will cost you around $14. A loaf of bread in Georgia costs around $2.61, while in Illinois you will pay for it $2.28. 1 liter of milk in Georgia costs $0.85 – in Illinois $0.72. A dozen of eggs you used to pay $1.98 in Illinois, will cost you $2.35 after relocating to Georgia.
Transportation costs in Georgia vs Illinois
Gasoline is also noticeably cheaper in Georgia – more than 7%. And you can see that also by reading interstate moving companies reviews Georgia residents are leaving online. If you take a few minutes to compare those reviews with those left by Illinois residents, you will see that hiring Illinois moving companies is more expensive. Unfortunately, you cannot choose in this case. Once you get to Georgia, and if you are using public transportation to commute, you will be able to benefit from those prices as a monthly transit pass is 34% more expensive in Illinois. Even a taxi trip will cost you less in Georgia. On the other hand, vehicle prices, especially new vehicles, are 12.6% lower in Illinois. So it all depends on your preferences.
Childcare prices depend on the age of your kids
If you are relocating from Illinois to Georgia with kids, you will surely be interested in childcare prices. And on average, Georgia is more expensive. Still, it depends on the age of your children. If you have pre-school kids, you will be glad to hear that childcare in that case will be 34.7% cheaper in Georgia. Nevertheless, your kids will grow up pretty quickly and that is when you will start paying for childcare, much more. Childcare for middle school kids is more than 60% cheaper in Illinois.
Housing costs in Illinois and Georgia
When comparing living costs, housing is one of the most important factors that you need to pay attention to. And, luckily for you, in this case, you have the advantage. Especially if you are a homeowner looking to sell your property and use that money to buy a new one in Georgia. The median home value in Illinois in 2022 is $428,700 while in Georgia, the median home value is $306,000. Much cheaper despite the fact that home prices rose 27.7% since 2021. Median rent is also cheaper in Georgia. But it all depends on the city you are moving to and a specific location within that city.
So for example, if you are currently living in Aurora, IL, hiring some good cross country moving companies Aurora IL and moving to Atlanta will not be an easy feat as home prices will surely not be in your favor like when you are moving from Chicago to Gainesville, GA. When it comes to utilities, unfortunately, things aren’t that bright. For example, utilities that include electricity, gas, water, and heating for a 700 sq ft apartment in Illinois are around $118.31. In Georgia, you will have to pay somewhere around $142.27. Internet connection of 50mbps costs around $70 in Georgia, while in Illinois it is around $65.
Sports and entertainment costs
When it comes to entertainment and sports, differences in prices differ. For example, a domestic local beer in a bar in Georgia will cost you the same as in Illinois – around $4,70. A cappuccino, on the other hand, will cost you around 5% more after moving from Illinois to Georgia. If you are a smoker, you are in luck, as cigarettes are around 30% cheaper in Georgia. Cigarettes are, unfortunately, bad for your health. But going to the gym isn’t. And again, if you are used to going to the gym, you will be glad to hear that monthly membership is 23% cheaper in Georgia.
Make a good plan and do good research before moving from Illinois to Georgia
Those are the most important things that you need to think about before moving from Illinois to Georgia. As you can see, it is not for everybody as it all depends on your preferences and location. However, if you plan everything right and make the right choices, replacing your Illinois home with the one in the state of Georgia can be a great decision after all.