Uprootmap
Chicago vs Battle Creek
Chicago and Battle Creek
Photo: battlecreekcvb / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Battle Creek are above the US rate in this release, 7.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to Battle Creek
In 2022-2023, 29 households filed a move from Chicago to Battle Creek (about 49 people, average adjusted gross income $46,276). 37 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $897 in Battle Creek. Chicago has a state tax on wages. Battle Creek has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Battle Creek is 87% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
Battle Creek averages 167 sunny days, with July highs around 81°F and January nights around 23°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Battle Creek and 33 in Chicago.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 29 households moved Chicago → Battle Creek (about 49 people, average AGI $46,276). 37 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Chicago and Battle Creek changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 179 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,200
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
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Dig into Battle Creek
Questions
Is Battle Creek cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. Battle Creek leaves about $797 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $897 in Battle Creek.
Does Battle Creek have state income tax?
Battle Creek is in Michigan, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Chicago to Battle Creek?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.