Moving from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
A move from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL covers 1238 mi and around 22h of driving through 4 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.
1238 mi Β· 22h by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 9.4% higher than San Antonio, 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 9.4% above San Antonio β $249,810 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Antonio | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | β |
Chicago runs 18.2Β°F colder on the annual average (69.0Β°F vs 50.8Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 9.4% above San Antonio ($62,917 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 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 (18.2Β°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
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1238 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 San Antonio vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $62,917 in San Antonio β a 19.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $249,810 in San Antonio β a 27.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 1238 mi and the route typically takes 22h via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 9.4% higher than San Antonio (103.595 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,091,510 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 San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX Β· Chicago, IL.