Moving from Chicago, IL to Arvada, CO
A move from Chicago, IL to Arvada, CO covers 1008 mi and around 17h 54m 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.
1008 mi Β· 17h 54m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Chicago (103.595) and Arvada (105.782) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Arvada: 2.1% above Chicago on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 17.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 75.5 in of snowfall annually at Arvada.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Arvada is 2.1% above Chicago ($75,134 vs $113,396, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Arvada averages 75.5 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Arvada more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 2.1% higher than Chicago (105.782 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1008 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Arvada, CO from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1008 mi and the route typically takes 17h 54m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 50.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Arvada compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Arvada compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $616,566 in Arvada vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 94.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Arvada, CO.