Moving from Chicago, IL to Sandy Springs, GA
Relocating 680 mi from Chicago to Sandy Springs is a 13h 17m 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.
680 mi Β· 13h 17m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Sandy Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Chicago and Sandy Springs 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 climbs from $317,283 in Chicago to $691,063 in Sandy Springs, a 3.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Sandy Springs +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.4" |
Expect 10.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 107,198 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $101,593 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 39.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.4% β $75,134 β $101,593 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sandy Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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: Sandy Springs averages 51.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Sandy Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,593 in Sandy Springs vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 35.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sandy Springs more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sandy Springs is 3.4% lower than Chicago (100.058 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sandy Springs, GA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 680 mi and the route typically takes 13h 17m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Sandy Springs compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Sandy Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 680 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Sandy Springs compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $691,063 in Sandy Springs vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 117.8% 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· Sandy Springs, GA.