Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Chicago, IL
Relocating 962 mi from Fort Worth to Chicago is a 17h 35m 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.
962 mi Β· 17h 35m 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 | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.5% above Fort Worth β $298,051 β $317,283 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Annual average temperature gap of 16.7Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.36 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 (16.7Β°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 household income compare in Fort Worth vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 1.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 6.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 962 mi and the route typically takes 17h 35m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 962 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 Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth 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.
Is Chicago more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 0.5% higher than Fort Worth (103.595 vs 103.09, 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 Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Chicago, IL.