Moving from South Fulton, GA to Chicago, IL
Relocating 696 mi from South Fulton to Chicago is a 13h 38m 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.
696 mi Β· 13h 38m 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, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Fulton | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
South Fulton and Chicago sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: South Fulton β, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | South Fulton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | β |
Expect 12.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.5% lower in Chicago than South Fulton.
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 (12.8Β°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 South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 3.5% higher than South Fulton (103.595 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 696 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 South Fulton vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $81,798 in South Fulton β a 8.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 696 mi and the route typically takes 13h 38m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,817,660 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 South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA Β· Chicago, IL.