Moving from Rochester, MN to Chicago, IL
Relocating between Rochester, MN and Chicago, IL is a 354 mi drive β 6h 42m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
354 mi Β· 6h 42m by car Β· IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 14.1% above Rochester β 90.821 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 14.1% under Rochester β $339,455 β $317,283 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | β |
Expect 6.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.1% lower in Chicago than Rochester.
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 Minnesota 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 354 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Chicago more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 14.1% higher than Rochester (103.595 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 6.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 14.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 354 mi and the route typically takes 6h 42m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Chicago, IL.