Moving from High Point, NC to Chicago, IL
It is 713 mi between High Point and Chicago β roughly 13h 52m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 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.
713 mi Β· 13h 52m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β WV β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β WV β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 35, I 64, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Dayton, Winston Salem, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.6% above High Point β 92.865 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | High Point | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | β |
Annual temperature drops 10.3Β°F moving to Chicago per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.36 |
Chicago households earn about 11.6% more than High Point at the median β $61,228 β $75,134 on ACS 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 North Carolina 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chicago compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $61,228 in High Point β a 22.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from High Point to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 713 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 High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $249,821 in High Point β a 27.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 713 mi and the route typically takes 13h 52m via US 35 and I 64. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 11.6% higher than High Point (103.595 vs 92.865, 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 High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC Β· Chicago, IL.