Moving from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA
A move from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA covers 683 mi and around 13h 20m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
683 mi Β· 13h 20m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Atlanta and Chicago are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 100.058); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Atlanta typical home at $385,599 is 3.4% above Chicago at $317,283 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.1" |
Atlanta runs 11.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.8Β°F vs 62.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.16 |
Median household income in Atlanta is 3.4% above Chicago ($75,134 β $81,938, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Atlanta, GA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 683 mi and the route typically takes 13h 20m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 9.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 683 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 21.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 3.4% lower than Chicago (100.058 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Atlanta, GA.