Moving from New York, NY to Chicago, IL
A move from New York, NY to Chicago, IL covers 799 mi and around 15h 5m 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.
799 mi Β· 15h 5m by car Β· NY β NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, NJ 3 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | 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 |
Chicago is 8.0% cheaper than New York overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 8.0% below New York β $812,861 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | β |
Annual average temperatures in New York (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: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 38 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 8.0% below New York ($79,713 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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- 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 the job market in Chicago compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $59,390 in the New York 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.
When is the best time to move from New York to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 799 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in New York vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $79,713 in New York β a 5.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 799 mi and the route typically takes 15h 5m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $812,861 in New York β a 61.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.0% lower than New York (103.595 vs 112.563, 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 New York.
City profiles: New York, NY Β· Chicago, IL.