Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Chicago, IL
A move from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Chicago, IL covers 1320 mi and around 24h 53m of driving through 6 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.
1320 mi Β· 24h 53m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Lauderdale | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 103.595, putting Chicago roughly 9.3% below Fort Lauderdale on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Chicago: 9.3% below Fort Lauderdale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Lauderdale -4.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 60Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 64.3" | β |
Major climate step-down: 26.1Β°F cooler annual average in Chicago vs Fort Lauderdale.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Lauderdale | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,032 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $79,935 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 42.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 9.3% below Fort Lauderdale ($79,935 β $75,134, 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 Florida 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (26.1Β°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 much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Fort Lauderdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale β a 37.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Fort Lauderdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 9.3% lower than Fort Lauderdale (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1320 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 Chicago compare to Fort Lauderdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driving distance is 1320 mi and the route typically takes 24h 53m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Lauderdale vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale β a 6.0% 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 Fort Lauderdale.
City profiles: Fort Lauderdale, FL Β· Chicago, IL.