Moving from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL
Relocating between Columbia, MO and Chicago, IL is a 395 mi drive β 7h 34m 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.
395 mi Β· 7h 34m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 72, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.8% above Columbia β 89.438 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Columbia to Chicago β $321,091 vs $317,283 (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | β |
Expect 5.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.8% higher in Chicago than Columbia.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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 household income compare in Columbia vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 16.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chicago more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 15.8% higher than Columbia (103.595 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 395 mi and the route typically takes 7h 34m via I 55 and I 72. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 395 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 Chicago compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 1.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Chicago, IL.