Moving from Chicago, IL to Newark, NJ
Relocating 780 mi from Chicago to Newark is a 14h 34m drive through 5 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.
780 mi Β· 14h 34m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.7% above Chicago β 103.595 β 112.563 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.7% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.7 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.7% β $75,134 β $48,416 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 35.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newark, NJ from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 780 mi and the route typically takes 14h 34m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 780 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newark more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 8.7% higher than Chicago (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 50.8% 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· Newark, NJ.