Moving from Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL
A move from Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL covers 1137 mi and around 21h 38m 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.
1137 mi Β· 21h 38m 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
| Orlando | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.418 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.196 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.374 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago and Orlando are close on the overall BEA RPP (101.418 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.1% lower in Chicago than Orlando as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Orlando -3.5%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Orlando | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 50Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.5" | β |
NOAA normals show Chicago running 22.2Β°F below Orlando on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ORLANDO INTL AP, FL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Orlando | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 311,732 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $69,268 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 2.1% above Orlando ($69,268 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 (22.2Β°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 the job market in Chicago compare to Orlando?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $43,120 in the Orlando MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,366,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Orlando vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $69,268 in Orlando β a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from Orlando, FL?
The driving distance is 1137 mi and the route typically takes 21h 38m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chicago more expensive than Orlando?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 2.1% higher than Orlando (103.595 vs 101.418, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Orlando to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1137 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Orlando?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $374,136 in Orlando β a 15.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Orlando.
City profiles: Orlando, FL Β· Chicago, IL.