Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Chicago, IL
A move from Rio Rancho, NM to Chicago, IL covers 1347 mi and around 24h 2m 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.
1347 mi Β· 24h 2m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.4% pricier overall in Chicago than Rio Rancho on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 8.4% lower in Chicago than Rio Rancho as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | β |
Chicago is 7.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (58.0Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 8.4% below Rio Rancho ($85,755 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 Mexico 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in 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 Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.4% higher than Rio Rancho (103.595 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1347 mi and the route typically takes 24h 2m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 12.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1347 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 Rio Rancho vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 12.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Chicago, IL.