Moving from Chicago, IL to St. Paul, MN
The 406 mi from Chicago to St. Paul translate to about 7h 39m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
406 mi Β· 7h 39m by car Β· IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | St. Paul | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
St. Paul and Chicago are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 104.822); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, St. Paul β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 29.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 46.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 307,762 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $73,055 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.5 |
Household income lines up β $75,134 vs $73,055 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Paul MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in St. Paul compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 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 St. Paul?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 406 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 St. Paul?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,055 in St. Paul vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 2.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is St. Paul, MN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 406 mi and the route typically takes 7h 39m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is St. Paul more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Paul is 1.2% higher than Chicago (104.822 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· St. Paul, MN.