People moving out of Chicago in 2026 are heading mostly to Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, plus nearby Indiana and Wisconsin. The pull is lower taxes, cheaper housing, and warmer weather. The Chicago metro lost about 42,844 residents to domestic migration in the latest count, though the pace is slowing. This guide shows where Chicagoans go, why they leave, and what each move costs.
At Collins Family Movers, we handle both local moves and long hauls out of state. We see the patterns firsthand: retirees chasing sun, families chasing affordability, and workers chasing jobs. Below we lay out the top destinations, the real reasons behind the trend, and how to plan an out-of-state move without surprises.
- How Many People Are Leaving Chicago
- Top States Chicagoans Move To in 2026
- Florida: The Number One Choice
- Texas and Tennessee: Jobs and Low Taxes
- The Carolinas and Arizona
- Why People Leave Chicago
- Not Everyone Leaves the State
- What an Out-of-State Move Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan Your Move Out of Chicago With Collins Family Movers
How Many People Are Leaving Chicago
Chicago sits among the metros losing the most domestic residents. Recent U-Haul and migration data show the metro lost roughly 42,844 people to other parts of the country in the latest year. Illinois ranks among the five states with the worst net domestic out-migration, alongside Hawaii, New York, California, and Alaska.
There is a counter-trend worth noting. Chicago's outflow improved by nearly 20,000 year over year, meaning the pace of departures is easing. The story is less "everyone is leaving" and more about who leaves and where they land.
Top States Chicagoans Move To in 2026
The destinations follow a clear logic: lower taxes, cheaper homes, and better weather. Here are the leading picks.
| Destination State | Main Draw | Popular Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | No state income tax, warm | Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville |
| Texas | No income tax, jobs | Dallas, Austin, Houston |
| Tennessee | No income tax, low cost | Nashville, Knoxville |
| North & South Carolina | Affordable, mild climate | Charlotte, Raleigh |
| Arizona | Warm, retiree friendly | Phoenix, Tucson |
| Indiana & Wisconsin | Close, lower taxes | Indianapolis, Milwaukee |
States with no income tax keep pulling ahead. Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Nevada gained a large share of movers, since the tax savings for high earners and retirees can reach tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Florida: The Number One Choice
Florida is the single most common answer for people leaving Chicago. It ranked among the top U-Haul destinations for every generation, from retirees to young workers. Key metros include Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.
The appeal is simple: no state income tax, warm winters, and a busy job market in healthcare, tourism, and tech. A Chicago to Florida move runs about $2,500 to $6,300 for a full-service haul of a mid-sized home.
Texas and Tennessee: Jobs and Low Taxes
Texas draws Chicago professionals with its job market and zero income tax. Dallas, Austin, and Houston lead the list, and moving to Texas from Chicago is one of our busiest long-distance routes. Tennessee is a fast-rising pick thanks to Nashville's growth and a low overall cost of living. Both states let residents keep more of their paycheck, which matters most for high earners.
The Carolinas and Arizona
North Carolina and South Carolina offer mild weather, affordable homes, and growing cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. South Carolina led the nation for inbound migration in the latest data. Arizona remains a favorite for retirees who want warmth, and moving from Chicago to Phoenix trades snow for sun at a lower cost base than the coasts.
Why People Leave Chicago
The reasons show up again and again in migration studies and in our own moves:
- High property taxes. Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the country, near a 2.08% effective rate.
- Overall tax burden. A 4.95% flat income tax plus a 10.25% Chicago sales tax adds up.
- Cost of living. Housing costs have climbed enough to push some families out.
- Winters. Long, cold winters and heating bills wear on many residents.
- Jobs. Some workers follow employers to Sun Belt tech and business hubs.
Retirees make up a large share of these moves, with a notable net loss of residents aged 60 and older.
Not Everyone Leaves the State
Plenty of people who leave the city do not leave Illinois. They trade a downtown apartment for a family-friendly Chicago suburb like Naperville or Clarendon Hills, gaining space and top-rated schools while keeping their jobs and network.
What an Out-of-State Move Costs
Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance, not by the hour. Costs rise with home size and peak-season timing.
| Home Size | Typical Long-Distance Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,400–$6,500 |
| 2-bedroom | $2,500–$8,000 |
| 3-bedroom | $4,200–$11,000 |
| 4-bedroom+ | $7,000–$15,000+ |
Peak season, May through September, can add 15% to 25%. Always verify any long-distance mover's USDOT number through the federal FMCSA SAFER database before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are most people moving when they leave Chicago?
Florida is the top destination, followed by Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Nearby Indiana and Wisconsin also draw movers who want lower taxes without going far.
Why are people leaving Chicago in 2026?
The main reasons are high property taxes, the overall tax burden, rising housing costs, and cold winters. Many retirees also move south for warmth and lower living costs.
How many people are leaving Chicago?
The Chicago metro lost about 42,844 residents to domestic migration in the latest count. The pace is slowing, improving by nearly 20,000 from the prior year.
How much does it cost to move out of Chicago?
Long-distance moves range from about $1,400 for a small one-bedroom to $15,000 or more for a large home. Cost depends on weight, distance, and the time of year.
Is it cheaper to move to the Chicago suburbs instead?
Often yes for the move itself, since it stays local and hourly. But suburb property taxes can run high, so compare total living costs, not just the moving bill.
Plan Your Move Out of Chicago With Collins Family Movers
Whether you are headed to Florida, Texas, or a nearby suburb, Collins Family Movers can carry you there. Our Chicago Movers are licensed and insured for both local and long-distance moves, with clear estimates and careful handling, and scheduling your departure on the cheapest moving day keeps the cost down. Contact us for a free quote and a smooth exit from the city.