Moving from Chicago, IL to Evansville, IN
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Evansville, IN is a 288 mi drive β 6h 23m 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.
288 mi Β· 6h 23m by car Β· IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 41, SR 63, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Evansville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.528 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 86.717 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 66.735 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Evansville at 91.528 vs Chicago at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $198,977 moving to Evansville.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Evansville +3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 47.8" |
Expect 8.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 116,441 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $52,251 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.23 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.6% β $75,134 β $52,251 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Evansville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,860 | $38,480 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,890 | $36,600 |
| Production Occupations | 14,790 | $42,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,900 | $27,390 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,580 | $31,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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
Is Evansville more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Evansville is 11.6% lower than Chicago (91.528 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Evansville compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,977 in Evansville vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 37.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Evansville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,251 in Evansville vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 30.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Evansville, IN from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 288 mi and the route typically takes 6h 23m via US 41 and SR 63. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Evansville compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,930 in the Evansville MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 152,180 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Evansville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 288 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 Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Evansville, IN.