Moving from Provo, UT to Chicago, IL
A move from Provo, UT to Chicago, IL covers 1414 mi and around 24h 37m of driving through 5 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.
1414 mi Β· 24h 37m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Provo | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.232 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.63 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.081 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 5.5% higher than Provo, 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 5.5% below Provo β $484,203 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Provo +2.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Provo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.2" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Provo (54.6Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVO BYU, UT US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Provo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,303 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $62,800 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 23.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.35 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 5.5% above Provo ($62,800 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 Utah 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Provo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $484,203 in Provo β a 34.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Provo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,700 in the Provo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 293,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Provo, UT?
The driving distance is 1414 mi and the route typically takes 24h 37m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Provo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 5.5% higher than Provo (103.595 vs 98.232, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Provo vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $62,800 in Provo β a 19.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Provo to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1414 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 Provo.
City profiles: Provo, UT Β· Chicago, IL.