Moving from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Moving from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH covers 319 mi and about 6h 45m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
319 mi Β· 6h 45m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 33, US 30, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Fort Wayne |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 95.469, putting Columbus roughly 7.8% below Chicago on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Columbus: 7.8% below Chicago on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.34 |
Median household income in Columbus is 7.8% below Chicago ($75,134 β $65,327, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 13.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Columbus, OH from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 319 mi and the route typically takes 6h 45m via US 33 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Columbus more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 7.8% lower than Chicago (95.469 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 Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 319 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 22.5% lower 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· Columbus, OH.