Moving from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
The 406 mi from St. Paul to Chicago translate to about 7h 39m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
406 mi Β· 7h 39m by car Β· IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago and St. Paul are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.822 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.5Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.36 |
Household income lines up β $73,055 vs $75,134 on ACS 5-year 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 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
Is Chicago more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 1.2% lower than St. Paul (103.595 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 406 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 St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 406 mi and the route typically takes 7h 39m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 2.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Chicago, IL.