Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Chicago, IL covers 498 mi and about 9h 27m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
498 mi Β· 9h 27m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 24, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Murfreesboro | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.338 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.95 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.626 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 7.5% higher than Murfreesboro, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 7.5% below Murfreesboro β $426,292 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Murfreesboro +0.1%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Murfreesboro | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.9" | β |
Chicago is 8.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (58.9Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Murfreesboro | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,547 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $76,241 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 31.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Murfreesboro ($76,241) 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 Tennessee 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Murfreesboro to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chicago, IL from Murfreesboro, TN?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 27m via I 65 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Murfreesboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,074,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Murfreesboro vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro β a 1.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Murfreesboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $426,292 in Murfreesboro β a 25.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Murfreesboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 7.5% higher than Murfreesboro (103.595 vs 96.338, 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 Murfreesboro.
City profiles: Murfreesboro, TN Β· Chicago, IL.