Moving from Chicago, IL to Green Bay, WI
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Green Bay, WI is a 206 mi drive β 4h 4m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
206 mi Β· 4h 4m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, WI 57, US 41 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Green Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.086 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.041 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 74.696 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Green Bay at 93.086 vs Chicago at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 10.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Green Bay +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 32.4" |
Expect 6.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 106,585 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $62,546 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.1% lower in Green Bay than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Green Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,540 | $44,720 |
| Production Occupations | 21,100 | $46,550 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 17,340 | $44,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,060 | $36,480 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,500 | $28,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Green Bay compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $278,024 in Green Bay vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 12.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Green Bay, WI from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 206 mi and the route typically takes 4h 4m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Green Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 206 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Green Bay more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Green Bay is 10.1% lower than Chicago (93.086 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Green Bay compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 171,590 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Green Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,546 in Green Bay vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 16.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Green Bay, WI.