Moving from Amarillo, TX to Chicago, IL
A move from Amarillo, TX to Chicago, IL covers 1047 mi and around 18h 44m 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.
1047 mi Β· 18h 44m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.8% pricier overall in Chicago than Amarillo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Chicago typical home at $317,283 is 12.8% above Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Chicago is 6.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 12.8% above Amarillo ($62,469 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 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 20.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1047 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 Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 1047 mi and the route typically takes 18h 44m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 53.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 12.8% higher than Amarillo (103.595 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 120,310 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Chicago, IL.