Moving from Savannah, GA to Chicago, IL
Relocating 933 mi from Savannah to Chicago is a 17h 55m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
933 mi Β· 17h 55m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, I 16 |
| 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
| Savannah | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.8% above Savannah β 95.206 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Savannah to Chicago β $326,509 vs $317,283 (2026-03).
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Savannah | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | β |
Annual average temperature gap of 16.7Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.8% β $56,782 β $75,134 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Georgia 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 (16.7Β°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
Is Chicago more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.8% higher than Savannah (103.595 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 933 mi and the route typically takes 17h 55m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $326,509 in Savannah β a 2.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $56,782 in Savannah β a 32.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 933 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA Β· Chicago, IL.