Moving from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Relocating 757 mi from Chicago to Philadelphia is a 13h 60m 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.
757 mi Β· 13h 60m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 90 |
| 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 | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Chicago and Philadelphia sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $317,283 in Chicago to $231,815 in Philadelphia, a 1.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 50.7" |
Expect 6.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Philadelphia sees 16.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.0% lower in Philadelphia than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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: Philadelphia averages 16.1 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: Philadelphia averages 50.7 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 1.0% lower than Chicago (102.554 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 757 mi and the route typically takes 13h 60m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 19.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 26.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 757 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Philadelphia, PA.