Moving from Chicago, IL to Carrollton, TX
Relocating 914 mi from Chicago to Carrollton is a 17h 5m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
914 mi Β· 17h 5m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| 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 | Carrollton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Chicago and Carrollton sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $317,283 in Chicago to $406,040 in Carrollton, a 0.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Carrollton -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 15.0Β°F β 50.8Β°F in Chicago vs 65.8Β°F in Carrollton, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 132,741 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $99,115 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.5% β $75,134 β $99,115 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carrollton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Carrollton average 94Β°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 (15.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Carrollton more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carrollton is 0.5% lower than Chicago (103.09 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Carrollton, TX from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 914 mi and the route typically takes 17h 5m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Carrollton compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Carrollton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 914 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Carrollton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $99,115 in Carrollton vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 31.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Carrollton compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $406,040 in Carrollton vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 28.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Carrollton, TX.