Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Chicago, IL
A move from Las Cruces, NM to Chicago, IL covers 1440 mi and around 26h 31m of driving through 5 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.
1440 mi · 26h 31m by car · IL → MO → OK → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → OK → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 70, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 14.8% higher than Las Cruces, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 14.8% above Las Cruces ($317,283 vs $290,023 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 14.8% above Las Cruces ($55,176 vs $75,134, ACS 5-year 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 New Mexico 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 9.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 1440 mi and the route typically takes 26h 31m via I 44 and US 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 14.8% higher than Las Cruces (103.595 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1440 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 36.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Chicago, IL.