Moving from Wichita, KS to Chicago, IL
A move from Wichita, KS to Chicago, IL covers 704 mi and around 12h 57m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
704 mi Β· 12h 57m by car Β· IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, US 24, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 16.5% higher than Wichita, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 16.5% above Wichita β $202,720 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | β |
Chicago is 6.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (57.7Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 16.5% above Wichita ($63,072 β $75,134, 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 Kansas 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
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 19.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 704 mi and the route typically takes 12h 57m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 56.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 704 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 16.5% higher than Wichita (103.595 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Chicago, IL.