Moving from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Your Complete Guide
772
Miles
14 hrs
Drive Time
I-40 West
Primary Highway
Peak
Current Season
Cost of Living Comparison
Category
Washington, DC
Chicago, IL
Cost of Living Index
152
107
Median Home Price
$620,000
$315,000
Median 1BR Rent
$2,200/mo
$1,700/mo
Avg Monthly Utilities
$155
$145
Grocery Index
108
102
Best Stops Along the Way
Breaking up a 772-mile drive? Here are great places to stop between Washington, DC and Chicago, IL.
Richmond, VA
Virginia's capital city blending Civil War history with a thriving arts and food scene. Known for its craft breweries and the James River.
Historic districts, craft beer scene, and outdoor recreation on the James River
State Transition Guide: District of Columbia → Illinois
Moving from District of Columbia to Illinois? Here's what you need to know about updating your documents.
Driver's License
Update within 90 days of establishing residency in Illinois
Vehicle Registration
Register vehicle within 30 days in Illinois
Vehicle inspection: Emissions in Chicago and Metro East
Things to Know About Illinois
- Property taxes are among the highest in the nation
- Chicago has additional city taxes on many goods and services
- I-PASS/E-ZPass is essential for toll roads around Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive is approximately 772 miles via I-40 West, taking about 14 hours of driving. We recommend breaking this into 2 days of driving, accounting for stops, fuel, and rest.