Illinois keeps losing residents faster than almost any other state, and 2026 is shaping up no differently. The drivers are familiar to anyone who owns a home here: a property-tax burden near the top of the national charts, a rising cost of living, and winters that wear people down. What changes year to year is where those departing households are actually landing, and this year the map has some clear favorites and a few surprises.
This is a destination-by-destination rundown built from the corridors our trucks run most, down to the specific metros and the neighborhoods newcomers tend to ask about.
The States Drawing the Most Illinois Movers
At the state level, the pattern is consistent: low or no income tax, warmer weather, and more house for the money. Here is the landscape in brief before the city detail.
| State | Headline draw | Common landing metros |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | No income tax, jobs, space | Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, Houston |
| Florida | No income tax, warm winters | Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville |
| Indiana | Short move, lower taxes | NW Indiana, Indianapolis |
| Tennessee | Low cost, no wage tax | Nashville, Chattanooga |
| Arizona | Dry climate, retiree appeal | Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale |
| Wisconsin | Close, lake-country lifestyle | Milwaukee, Madison |
City by City: Where Households Actually Land
Texas metros
Dallas–Fort Worth remains the heavyweight, pulling families with corporate relocations and roomy suburbs like Frisco, Plano, and McKinney. Austin draws the tech and remote-work crowd despite climbing prices, while Houston attracts energy and medical careers with some of the most affordable big-city housing on this list. The run down Illinois to Texas is long but a single clear corridor.
Florida metros
Tampa and St. Petersburg lead for the mix of coast, jobs, and no state income tax. Orlando pulls families and hospitality careers; Jacksonville offers the lowest entry prices of Florida’s big metros. Retirees still favor the Gulf Coast communities. See Illinois to Florida for the corridor specifics.
Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis
For people who want the savings without the distance, Lake and Porter counties, Hammond, Munster, Crown Point, and Valparaiso, deliver lower taxes while keeping a commute to Chicago realistic. Farther south, Indianapolis offers a genuine big-city job market at a fraction of Chicago’s housing cost.
Nashville and Chattanooga
Tennessee has quietly become one of the best value plays in the Midwest-to-South migration. Nashville’s suburbs like Franklin and Murfreesboro draw families and music-and-health-care careers; Chattanooga appeals to those wanting outdoors and a lower price tag, all with no tax on wages.
Phoenix valley
Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, and Scottsdale keep pulling retirees and remote workers chasing dry heat and sunshine. It is the longest common haul on the list, so packing discipline matters most here.
Routes Out of Chicago
Where you are headed dictates which interstate you ride:
- South and Southeast (Florida, Tennessee): I-57 or I-65 toward I-24 and the I-75 corridor.
- Southwest (Texas, Arizona): I-55 down to I-44, then I-35 for Texas or I-40 west for Arizona.
- Next door (Indiana): I-90/I-94 to I-65, often a single-day job.
- North (Wisconsin): I-90/I-94 straight up, another short run.
Distance is the biggest cost lever after volume, so knowing your corridor helps you budget honestly.
Planning Your 2026 Relocation
A few moves make any of these destinations easier on your wallet and your nerves:
- Start four to six weeks out, and earlier for a summer move.
- Declutter before you get quoted; you pay to move volume.
- Get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate from a licensed interstate carrier.
- Research your specific suburb, not just the metro, for taxes and commute.
- Keep documents, valuables, and medications with you in transit.
If packing is the sticking point, our professional packing and unpacking team can prep the whole house for the haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state are most Illinois residents moving to?
Texas and Florida consistently top the list for long-distance moves, driven by no state income tax and warmer climates. Indiana leads among short, in-region moves.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to the Sun Belt?
It varies with weight, distance, and timing, but most full-service long-distance moves to Texas, Florida, or Arizona fall across a broad range. A survey-based quote is the only reliable number.
Is it cheaper to move in 2026 at a certain time of year?
Yes. Late fall and winter, mid-month and midweek, are the lowest-demand, lowest-cost windows. Summer is the busiest and priciest season.
Do you move to all of these destinations?
Yes. As a licensed interstate carrier, we move households from Illinois to all 48 contiguous states with our own trained crews and real-time tracking.
Wherever 2026 takes you, we can map the route and give you an honest, survey-based estimate before you commit. Call (888) 315-9335 or request a free quote to start planning.
