Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
A move from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL covers 1030 mi and around 19h 36m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1030 mi Β· 19h 36m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago and Jacksonville is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 4.1% above Jacksonville ($317,283 vs $282,895 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jacksonville | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | β |
Chicago runs 20.6Β°F colder on the annual average (71.4Β°F vs 50.8Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 4.1% above Jacksonville ($66,981 β $75,134, 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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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 (20.6Β°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 far is Chicago, IL from Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 1030 mi and the route typically takes 19h 36m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Jacksonville vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $66,981 in Jacksonville β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1030 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 Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $282,895 in Jacksonville β a 12.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 4.1% higher than Jacksonville (103.595 vs 99.484, 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 Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL Β· Chicago, IL.