Moving from Manchester, NH to Chicago, IL
Relocating 1023 mi from Manchester to Chicago is a 19h 29m drive through 8 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.
1023 mi Β· 19h 29m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 105.657 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 roughly 2.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $435,334 to $317,283 moving to Chicago.
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Manchester (47.4Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Manchester ($77,415) 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 New Hampshire 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 2.0% lower than Manchester (103.595 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 1023 mi and the route typically takes 19h 29m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 2.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 27.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1023 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Chicago, IL.