Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
It is 783 mi between Elizabeth and Chicago β roughly 14h 42m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
783 mi Β· 14h 42m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, NJ 10 |
| 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
| Elizabeth | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Chicago at 103.595 vs Elizabeth at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $534,667 to $317,283 moving to Chicago.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.36 |
Households in Chicago earn about 8.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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 New Jersey 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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 17.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chicago more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.0% lower than Elizabeth (103.595 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 783 mi and the route typically takes 14h 42m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 783 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 Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 40.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Chicago, IL.