Moving from Denton, TX to Chicago, IL
Relocating 930 mi from Denton to Chicago is a 17h 3m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
930 mi Β· 17h 3m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | β |
Expect 14.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 31 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Denton ($73,719) and Chicago ($75,134) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Denton to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 930 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chicago more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 0.5% higher than Denton (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 930 mi and the route typically takes 17h 3m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Denton vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $73,719 in Denton β a 1.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $354,135 in Denton β a 10.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Chicago, IL.