Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
The drive from Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL runs 1332 mi β about 23h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1332 mi Β· 23h 35m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Albuquerque | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 8.4% higher than Albuquerque, 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 8.4% below Albuquerque ($317,283 vs $344,457 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Albuquerque | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Climate cools by 5.9Β°F on the annual average β 56.7Β°F β 50.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Albuquerque | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 562,488 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $65,604 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 38.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Income steps up 8.4%: $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $75,134 in Chicago.
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 New Mexico 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Chicago, IL from Albuquerque, NM?
The driving distance is 1332 mi and the route typically takes 23h 35m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Albuquerque?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.4% higher than Albuquerque (103.595 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Albuquerque?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β a 7.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Albuquerque vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β a 14.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Albuquerque?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1332 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 Albuquerque.
City profiles: Albuquerque, NM Β· Chicago, IL.