Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Chicago, IL
The drive from Pembroke Pines, FL to Chicago, IL runs 1339 mi β about 25h 14m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1339 mi Β· 25h 14m 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
| Pembroke Pines | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 103.595, putting Chicago roughly 9.3% below Pembroke Pines on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Chicago: 9.3% below Pembroke Pines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | β |
Major climate step-down: 26.5Β°F cooler annual average in Chicago vs Pembroke Pines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.36 |
Income steps down 9.3%: $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $75,134 in Chicago.
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 (26.5Β°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 Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 34.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Pembroke Pines, FL?
The driving distance is 1339 mi and the route typically takes 25h 14m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 9.3% lower than Pembroke Pines (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Pembroke Pines vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 8.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1339 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Chicago, IL.