Moving from Chicago, IL to Murfreesboro, TN
The 498 mi from Chicago to Murfreesboro translate to about 9h 27m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
498 mi Β· 9h 27m 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, I 24, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 96.338, putting Murfreesboro roughly 7.0% below Chicago on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Murfreesboro: 7.0% above Chicago on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 55.9" |
Climate warms by 8.1Β°F on the annual average β 50.8Β°F β 58.9Β°F.
Light snow year: Murfreesboro gets around 2.2 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.69 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
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
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 27m via I 65 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 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 Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 1.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 7.0% lower than Chicago (96.338 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 34.4% higher 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· Murfreesboro, TN.