Moving from Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Toledo, OH is a 240 mi drive β 4h 37m 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.
240 mi Β· 4h 37m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.7% cheaper overall in Toledo than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 32.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.27 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.7% β $75,134 β $47,532 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 does the job market in Toledo compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 290,070 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 Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 240 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Toledo, OH from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 240 mi and the route typically takes 4h 37m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 59.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 36.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Toledo more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 11.7% lower than Chicago (91.455 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· Toledo, OH.