Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL
A move from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL covers 714 mi and around 13h 22m 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.
714 mi Β· 13h 22m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 20, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Murfreesboro, Huntsville, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 87.722 in Tuscaloosa to 103.595 in Chicago, a 18.1% 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: 18.1% above Tuscaloosa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | β |
Chicago is 13.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (64.3Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 18.1% above Tuscaloosa ($48,536 vs $75,134, ACS 5-year 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 Alabama 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 (13.5Β°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
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 38.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 18.1% higher than Tuscaloosa (103.595 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 54.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 714 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chicago, IL from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 714 mi and the route typically takes 13h 22m via I 65 and I 20. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Chicago, IL.