Moving from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
The drive from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN runs 570 mi β about 11h 14m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
570 mi Β· 11h 14m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, SR 111, SR 52 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Chattanooga are 11.7% below Chicago β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 55.0" |
Climate warms by 11.1Β°F on the annual average β 50.8Β°F β 61.9Β°F.
Expect 3.6 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
Income steps down 11.7%: $75,134 in Chicago vs $61,028 in Chattanooga.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 Chattanooga average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 0.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 570 mi and the route typically takes 11h 14m via I 65 and SR 111. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 11.7% lower than Chicago (91.464 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 Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 570 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Chattanooga, TN.