Moving from Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
It is 903 mi between Plano and Chicago β roughly 16h 54m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
903 mi Β· 16h 54m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Plano | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Plano and Chicago sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $498,989 in Plano to $317,283 in Chicago, a 0.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Plano -5.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Plano | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | β |
Annual average temperature drops 15.0Β°F β 65.8Β°F in Plano vs 50.8Β°F in Chicago, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Plano | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,339 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $108,649 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 39.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Chicago households earn about 0.5% less than Plano at the median β $108,649 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.0Β°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 much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Plano?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $498,989 in Plano β a 36.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Plano to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 903 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 Plano vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $108,649 in Plano β a 30.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Plano?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,440 in the Plano MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Plano?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 0.5% higher than Plano (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Plano, TX?
The driving distance is 903 mi and the route typically takes 16h 54m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Plano.
City profiles: Plano, TX Β· Chicago, IL.