Illinois to Florida: Best Flight Deals 2025
Your Journey from Illinois to Florida Begins Here
Thinking about making the move from Illinois to Florida? You’re not alone! Each year, nearly 30,000 people pack up their lives in the Prairie State for the Sunshine State’s warmer climate and vibrant lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a preliminary visit or your big final move, understanding travel options, especially affordable airfare, is key.
Here’s a quick look at essential travel facts for your move:
- Annual Movers (IL to FL): Nearly 30,000 people
- Average Nonstop Flight Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Cheapest One-Way Flight Found: As low as $24
- Cheapest Round-Trip Flight Found: As low as $37
- Cheapest Florida Airport: Punta Gorda (PGD)
- Cheapest Month to Fly: August
For families like Emily’s, who are relocating from Chicago, managing costs and ensuring a smooth transition is paramount. This guide will help you steer the journey, starting with scoring the best flight deals.
As Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers, I’ve helped countless families make their move from Illinois to Florida smooth and stress-free. Our family-owned company, with over 50 years of experience serving Chicagoland and beyond, understands the logistics and challenges of such a significant relocation, ensuring your belongings arrive safely while you secure your travel.
Scoring the Best Flight Deals from Illinois to Florida
Moving from the chilly winters of Illinois to Florida often starts with a reconnaissance mission – a visit to scout out your new paradise. Or perhaps, you’re already fully committed and just need to get yourself there. Either way, finding affordable airfare is crucial. We’ve uncovered the secrets to help you snag the best deals, ensuring your journey is as smooth on your wallet as it is on your nerves!
When to Book and Fly for the Lowest Prices
Timing is everything when it comes to airfare, and a little planning can save you a lot of green. We’ve dug into the data to bring you the best windows for booking and flying from Illinois to Florida.
Historically, the cheapest month to fly from Illinois to Florida is August, with average round-trip tickets costing around $88. If August doesn’t work for your schedule, July is generally the next best bet, with average flight prices around $166. These months, often outside the peak spring break or holiday travel seasons, offer a sweet spot for savings.
When it comes to the day of the week, Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly to Florida, with round-trip tickets averaging $253. Thursdays are also a strong contender for budget-friendly departures, with prices as low as $418. On the flip side, try to avoid booking your flights for Sundays, as they tend to be the most expensive day to fly.
And what about the time of day? Our research shows that evening flights are generally the most affordable. If you can swing a departure in the evening, you could find round-trip flights costing as little as $229. Morning flights, while convenient, are often about 37% more expensive, averaging around $313.
As for how far in advance to book, we recommend a booking window of 2 to 4 weeks before your departure date. Booking about 4 weeks in advance can lead to cheaper tickets, around $261. However, some data suggests that booking around 2 weeks before departure can still yield below-average prices. So, if you’re a last-minute planner, there’s still hope! For a comprehensive look at managing your moving expenses, check out our guide on More info about creating a moving budget.
Top Departure and Arrival Airports
Your starting point and final destination airport can significantly impact your flight cost and overall travel time. In Illinois, our primary service areas include Chicago, Melrose Park, and the broader Illinois region, meaning you’ll likely be flying out of one of the major Chicago airports.
For those starting their journey in the Chicagoland area, you have two main options: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering a vast array of domestic and international flights. Midway, while smaller, is often praised for its convenience and can sometimes offer more budget-friendly flights, especially with airlines like Southwest. Many travelers find Midway easier to steer compared to the sprawling O’Hare.
Once you’re ready to touch down in the Sunshine State, you’ll find a variety of popular cities and their corresponding airports. Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), and Tampa (TPA) are among the most searched destinations. Orlando, home to world-class theme parks, is a hub for tourism. Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful beaches, while Tampa provides a balance of urban amenities and coastal charm.
However, if your main goal is to find the absolute cheapest flight, our research points to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) as the most budget-friendly option in Florida, with an average flight price of $84. While it might require a bit of a drive to your final destination, the savings on airfare could be substantial.
For those specifically moving from the busy city of Chicago, we have dedicated resources to help you plan your journey. Find more detailed information about relocating from the Windy City in our guide: More info about moving from Chicago to Florida.
Understanding Typical Flight Costs and Durations
Knowing what to expect regarding flight costs and durations can help you set realistic expectations and budget effectively for your move from Illinois to Florida.
The average nonstop flight time from Illinois to Florida is approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on your specific departure and arrival airports. For instance, a flight from Chicago to Miami averages around 3 hours, while a flight from Moline to Miami might take closer to 5 hours and 40 minutes. The shortest route found is from St. Louis (STL) to Pensacola (PNS) at a swift 1 hour and 40 minutes, but that’s for those starting slightly outside Illinois.
When it comes to costs, we’ve seen some truly impressive deals. Our research shows that the cheapest one-way flight from Illinois to Florida found was as low as $24. For those planning a return trip, the cheapest round-trip flight found was a mere $37. These are exceptional finds, of course, and typical average costs will be higher, but they show what’s possible with careful planning and flexibility.
Generally, you can expect average flight prices to vary widely based on the factors we’ve discussed: when you book, when you fly, and which airports you choose. For instance, while July averages $166, the overall average can be higher depending on your search.
To help you compare and find the best deals across various airlines and travel sites, we recommend utilizing flight search aggregators. You can easily Find cheap flights from Illinois to Florida using these tools. And if you’re curious about precise travel times for your specific route, you can always Check flight times from Illinois to Florida to plan your itinerary down to the minute.
Beyond the Flight: Planning Your Full Relocation
Securing an affordable flight is a fantastic first step, but as we know from decades of experience helping families move from Illinois to Florida, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The journey from the Prairie State to the Sunshine State involves a lot more than just airfare. Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of planning your full relocation, from lifestyle adjustments to logistical considerations.
Illinois vs. Florida: Lifestyle and Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons nearly 30,000 people choose to move from Illinois to Florida each year is the stark contrast in lifestyle and cost of living. It’s not just about escaping those long, gray Illinois winters for Florida’s abundant sunshine – though that’s certainly a major draw!
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some key differences side-by-side:
| Feature | Illinois | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | None |
| Median Home Price | ~ $310,000 (Chicago: $310,000) | ~ $420,000 (Statewide: $420,000) |
| Weather (Winter) | Cold, snowy (Winter Low: 17°F, Annual Snow: 22″) | Mild, warm (Winter Low: 49°F, Annual Snow: 0″) |
| Weather (Summer) | Warm, humid (Summer High: 86°F) | Hot, humid (Summer High: 91°F, Annual Rain: 55″) |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) | Eastern Time (ET) (1 hour ahead of CT) |
The first thing many people notice is Florida’s lack of state income tax. That 4.95% you pay in Illinois? That’s staying in your pocket in Florida, which can make a real difference in your take-home pay! While the median home price in Florida might look a bit higher, the overall cost of living can be surprisingly competitive, especially if you look outside the busiest cities. You might run your AC a bit more, but those grocery bills often look pretty similar.
Beyond the numbers, life just feels different. Florida offers a more relaxed, laid-back vibe compared to the hustle and bustle you might be used to in Chicago or Melrose Park. Imagine trading your snow shovel for a beach towel, or swapping ice skating for kayaking in the Everglades! With over 300 days of sunshine and miles of coastline, outdoor fun is a year-round thing. Plus, Florida’s job market is booming in areas like tourism, healthcare, and technology, opening up exciting new doors for many. For a deeper dive into making smart choices for your move, our essential guide to out-of-state moving options can provide invaluable insights.
Logistics for Your Move from Illinois to Florida
Once you’ve firmly decided that moving from Illinois to Florida is your next big trip, it’s time to tackle the logistics. This is where Bernard Movers truly shines, helping you steer the complexities of a long-distance relocation with ease.
The cost of moving from Illinois to Florida varies, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for an average household. Professional moving services can range from about $729 to over $6,000, depending on the size of your move and the services selected. For instance, a full-service move for a three-bedroom house might cost between $4,102 and $7,192. In Illinois, local movers often charge around $192 per hour for labor. At Bernard Movers, we provide clear, upfront pricing to avoid any surprises.
Don’t forget about your car! Shipping a vehicle from Illinois to Florida usually takes about 4 to 6 days. The total distance is roughly 1,000 to 1,200 miles (that’s about 17-20 hours of driving from Chicago!). Factors like the size of your vehicle and whether you choose an open or enclosed carrier will affect the cost. Open carriers are usually more budget-friendly, while enclosed carriers offer extra protection for special cars. It’s a good idea to arrange vehicle transport well in advance to lock in the best rates and ensure your car arrives when you need it.
So, when’s the best time to make this big move? While Florida’s warm weather is appealing year-round, we generally suggest moving during the spring (late March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons offer milder temperatures, making the physical aspects of moving much more comfortable. Try to steer clear of the summer months (June to August) if you can, as that’s peak moving season, which often means higher costs due to demand, plus Florida’s intense heat and hurricane season.
To help you keep track of everything, we’ve put together a comprehensive Moving Out of State Checklist to guide you through every step. And to make sure you’re choosing a truly reliable company for your interstate move, we always encourage you to Verify your mover with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This way, you can rest easy knowing your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured for those long hauls.
Finalizing Your Move and Settling In
The boxes are packed, the flights are booked, and the moving truck is en route. You’re almost there! Finalizing your move from Illinois to Florida involves a few essential steps to ensure a smooth transition into your new life in the Sunshine State.
As you settle in, here’s a quick final checklist to keep you on track:
First, forward your mail with the USPS. You’ll also need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration to meet Florida’s requirements for new residents. Before you arrive, contact local utility companies (electricity, water, gas, internet) to set up your services. Other key tasks include researching new schools and healthcare providers, and informing your bank of your new address.
At Bernard Movers, we understand that moving from Illinois to Florida is much more than just transporting your belongings; it’s about starting a brand new chapter. That’s why we work hard to make the entire moving process as seamless as possible, from your home in Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere in Illinois, all the way to your new Florida doorstep.
As a special welcome to your sunny new life, we’re currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Florida (and Georgia!) if you book for delivery by March 15, 2025. It’s our way of making your transition even more affordable. Don’t hesitate to Get a quote from our affordable moving company today and let us help you write your next sunny chapter!