Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Chicago, IL
Relocating 1100 mi from Sugar Land to Chicago is a 19h 58m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1100 mi Β· 19h 58m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 59, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Houston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than Sugar Land β RPP 98.629 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $447,176 in Sugar Land to $317,283 in Chicago, a 5.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | β |
Annual average temperature drops 19.8Β°F β 70.6Β°F in Sugar Land vs 50.8Β°F in Chicago, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 5.0% β $137,511 β $75,134 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.8Β°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
Is Chicago more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 5.0% higher than Sugar Land (103.595 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1100 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 Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 1100 mi and the route typically takes 19h 58m via I 57 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 45.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Chicago, IL.