Moving from Chicago, IL to Spokane Valley, WA
Moving from Chicago, IL to Spokane Valley, WA is a 1783 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 49m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1783 mi Β· 30h 49m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Spokane Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Spokane Valley and Chicago are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 100.346); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Spokane Valley typical home at $408,888 is 3.1% above Chicago at $317,283 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Spokane Valley +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 17.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 49.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 105,460 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $70,722 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Spokane Valley is 3.1% below Chicago ($75,134 β $70,722, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Spokane Valley compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $408,888 in Spokane Valley vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 28.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Spokane Valley more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane Valley is 3.1% lower than Chicago (100.346 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Spokane Valley compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 255,160 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 Spokane Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1783 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Spokane Valley, WA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1783 mi and the route typically takes 30h 49m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Spokane Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,722 in Spokane Valley vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 5.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Spokane Valley, WA.