Moving from Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL
It is a 240 mi drive, roughly 4h 37m, between Toledo, OH and Chicago, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
240 mi Β· 4h 37m by car Β· IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.3% above Toledo β 91.455 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.36 |
Chicago households earn about 13.3% more than Toledo at the median β $47,532 β $75,134 on 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 Ohio 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.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 13.3% higher than Toledo (103.595 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Toledo vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 58.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 144.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Toledo to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 240 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 Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 240 mi and the route typically takes 4h 37m via I 90 and I 80. 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 Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Chicago, IL.