Moving from Yonkers, NY to Chicago, IL
Relocating 800 mi from Yonkers to Chicago is a 14h 59m drive through 6 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.
800 mi Β· 14h 59m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.0% cheaper overall in Chicago than Yonkers on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Yonkers | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.0% lower in Chicago than Yonkers.
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 New York 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Chicago, IL from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 800 mi and the route typically takes 14h 59m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $680,218 in Yonkers β a 53.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 8.0% lower than Yonkers (103.595 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $81,816 in Yonkers β a 8.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 800 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY Β· Chicago, IL.