Moving from Chicago, IL to Round Rock, TX
Relocating 1141 mi from Chicago to Round Rock is a 20h 14m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1141 mi · 20h 14m by car · IL → MO → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.3% cheaper overall in Round Rock than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.3% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.3% — $75,134 → $97,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- 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 Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1141 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1141 mi and the route typically takes 20h 14m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 5.3% lower than Chicago (98.066 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 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 Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $75,134 in Chicago — a 29.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $317,283 in Chicago — a 28.3% 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 · Round Rock, TX.