Moving from Chicago, IL to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Ann Arbor, MI is a 241 mi drive β 4h 36m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
241 mi Β· 4h 36m by car Β· IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 94 BL |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 100.88 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $523,391 moving to Ann Arbor.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.43 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.6% higher in Ann Arbor than Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 241 mi and the route typically takes 4h 36m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 7.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 241 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 65.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 2.6% lower than Chicago (100.88 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 4,506,800 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 Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Ann Arbor, MI.