Moving from Chicago, IL to Colorado Springs, CO
Relocating 1072 mi from Chicago to Colorado Springs is a 18h 59m 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.
1072 mi Β· 18h 59m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 100.707 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $449,452 moving to Colorado Springs.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 15.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Colorado Springs (50.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.8% higher in Colorado Springs than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 41.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 310,390 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 Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1072 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 Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 10.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 2.8% lower than Chicago (100.707 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1072 mi and the route typically takes 18h 59m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Colorado Springs, CO.