Moving from Chicago, IL to Worcester, MA
Relocating 954 mi from Chicago to Worcester is a 18h 1m drive through 7 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.
954 mi Β· 18h 1m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 102.523 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $430,112 moving to Worcester.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Worcester (48.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.6 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.0% lower in Worcester than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Worcester more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 1.0% lower than Chicago (102.523 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 954 mi and the route typically takes 18h 1m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 954 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 Worcester compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 35.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 10.1% 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· Worcester, MA.