Moving from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE
Moving from Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE covers 473 mi and about 8h 49m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
473 mi Β· 8h 49m by car Β· IL β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 88 |
| 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 | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Omaha are 11.3% below Chicago β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.3% lower in Omaha than Chicago as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 51.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.44 |
Household income lines up β $75,134 vs $72,708 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 7.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 473 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Omaha, NE from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 473 mi and the route typically takes 8h 49m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Omaha more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 11.3% lower than Chicago (91.911 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Omaha, NE.