Moving from Chicago, IL to Houston, TX
Relocating 1080 mi from Chicago to Houston is a 19h 36m 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.
1080 mi Β· 19h 36m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 59, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 98.629 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 around 4.8% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 54.1" |
Expect 19.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Houston gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.51 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.8% lower in Houston than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
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 Houston average 93Β°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: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.8Β°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
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1080 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Houston more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 4.8% lower than Chicago (98.629 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 16.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Houston, TX from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1080 mi and the route typically takes 19h 36m via I 57 and US 59. 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· Houston, TX.