Moving from Rockford, IL to Chicago, IL
The 86 mi from Rockford to Chicago translate to about 1h 53m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
86 mi Β· 1h 53m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, IL 72 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.154 in Rockford to 103.595 in Chicago, a 12.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Chicago: 12.4% above Rockford on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.4% between Rockford and Chicago (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.
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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 86 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chicago more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 12.4% higher than Rockford (103.595 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 86 mi and the route typically takes 1h 53m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 40.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 79.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Chicago, IL.