Moving from Chicago, IL to League City, TX

A move from Chicago, IL to League City, TX covers 1104 mi and around 20h 2m 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.

1104 mi Β· 20h 2m by car Β· IL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL -4.8% Home values +17.3% Ξ” +19.8Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1104 mi
Drive time
20h 2m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
44 gal
Route throughIL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 57, US 59, I 30
Major cities en routeNaperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Houston

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

ChicagoLeague CityU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.59598.629100.0
Rents83.58195.288100.0
Goods107.258100.639100.0
Services112.01104.51100.0

Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Chicago (103.595) and League City (98.629) are within a few points of each other.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Chicago β€” typical home
$317,283
League City β€” typical home
$372,300
Chicago β€” typical rent
$2,328/mo
League City β€” typical rent
$1,757/mo

Moderate housing step-up: League City at $372,300 is 4.8% above Chicago at $317,283.

YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, League City -1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsChicagoLeague City
Annual avg temperature51Β°F71Β°F
January avg low20Β°F46Β°F
July avg high81Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.2"
Annual precipitationβ€”60.2"

Major climate step-up: 19.8Β°F warmer annual average in League City vs Chicago.

Effectively snow-free year in League City β€” NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, HOUSTON NWSO, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023ChicagoLeague City
Population2,707,648114,885
Median household income$75,134$119,870
Median age35.737.7
Bachelor's degree or higher24.9%32.7%
Avg household size2.362.68

Median household income in League City is 4.8% above Chicago ($75,134 vs $119,870, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Chicago MSA β€” median wage
$49,790
League City MSA β€” median wage
$46,960
Chicago MSA β€” employment
4,506,800
League City MSA β€” employment
3,179,460

Top occupations in League City MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 387,430 $41,570
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 305,780 $39,450
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 288,170 $27,490
Sales and Related Occupations 269,160 $35,450
Management Occupations 268,670 $109,460

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Illinois and Texas

Illinois income tax
4.95% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 20–30% 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.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in League City average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Pack rain gear on top: League City averages 60.2 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
  • 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 Texas after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Chicago to League City?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1104 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does the job market in League City compare to Chicago?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the League City MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is League City, TX from Chicago, IL?

The driving distance is 1104 mi and the route typically takes 20h 2m via I 57 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is League City more expensive than Chicago?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in League City is 4.8% lower than Chicago (98.629 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does household income compare in Chicago vs League City?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $119,870 in League City vs $75,134 in Chicago β€” a 59.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How much do homes cost in League City compared to Chicago?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $372,300 in League City vs $317,283 in Chicago β€” a 17.3% 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· League City, TX.

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