Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Chicago, IL
It is 1239 mi between Port St. Lucie and Chicago β roughly 23h 22m 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.
1239 mi Β· 23h 22m 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
| Port St. Lucie | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.228 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.031 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.642 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.228 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Port St. Lucie β, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Port St. Lucie | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 57Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 58.9" | β |
Expect 24.4Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NETTLES IS, FL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Port St. Lucie | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,453 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $78,137 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.78 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Port St. Lucie ($78,137) and Chicago ($75,134) are within a few percent (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 (24.4Β°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 household income compare in Port St. Lucie vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $78,137 in Port St. Lucie β a 3.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chicago more expensive than Port St. Lucie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 3.4% higher than Port St. Lucie (103.595 vs 100.228, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Port St. Lucie to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1239 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chicago, IL from Port St. Lucie, FL?
The driving distance is 1239 mi and the route typically takes 23h 22m 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 Port St. Lucie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $40,900 in the Port St. Lucie MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 163,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Port St. Lucie.
City profiles: Port St. Lucie, FL Β· Chicago, IL.