Moving from Chicago, IL to Broken Arrow, OK
A move from Chicago, IL to Broken Arrow, OK covers 682 mi and around 12h 30m of driving through 3 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.
682 mi Β· 12h 30m by car Β· IL β MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 89.214, putting Broken Arrow roughly 13.9% below Chicago on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Broken Arrow ZHVI at $286,846 is 13.9% below Chicago at $317,283.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Broken Arrow runs 9.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.8Β°F vs 60.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Broken Arrow is 13.9% above Chicago ($75,134 β $85,220, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 13.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 13.9% lower than Chicago (89.214 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 682 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 Broken Arrow compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 9.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 682 mi and the route typically takes 12h 30m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Broken Arrow, OK.