Moving from Reno, NV to Chicago, IL
A 1916 mi cross-country move between Reno and Chicago is 32h 39m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1916 mi Β· 32h 39m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 101.014 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 2.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $567,857 to $317,283 moving to Chicago.
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Reno | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Reno (54.5Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Reno ($78,448) 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 Nevada 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $78,448 in Reno β a 4.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Chicago more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 2.6% higher than Reno (103.595 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 1916 mi and the route typically takes 32h 39m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $567,857 in Reno β a 44.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1916 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 Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV Β· Chicago, IL.