Moving from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Relocating between Chicago, IL and South Bend, IN is a 89 mi drive β 2h 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.
89 mi Β· 2h by car Β· IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has South Bend at 92.858 vs Chicago at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $192,340 moving to South Bend.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and South Bend (49.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.5 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.4% β $75,134 β $52,512 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Frequently asked
How far is South Bend, IN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 89 mi and the route typically takes 2h via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 39.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 89 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is South Bend more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 10.4% lower than Chicago (92.858 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 30.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· South Bend, IN.