Moving from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Rochester, MN is a 354 mi drive β 6h 42m 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.
354 mi Β· 6h 42m by car Β· IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.3% cheaper overall in Rochester than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 12.3% above Chicago β $317,283 β $339,455 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 34.7" |
Expect 6.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.4 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 12.3% higher in Rochester than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rochester, MN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 354 mi and the route typically takes 6h 42m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Rochester more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 12.3% lower than Chicago (90.821 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 354 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 16.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 7.0% 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· Rochester, MN.