Uprootmap
Chicago vs Racine
Chicago and Racine
Photo: Robertcosborne / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Racine are under the US rate in this release, 4.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to Racine
In 2022-2023, 479 households filed a move from Chicago to Racine (about 741 people, average adjusted gross income $87,992). 258 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,162 in Racine. Chicago has a state tax on wages. Racine has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Racine is 97% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
Racine averages 191 sunny days, with July highs around 79°F and January nights around 22°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 24 minutes in Racine 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, 479 households moved Chicago → Racine (about 741 people, average AGI $87,992). 258 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 Racine changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 85 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,050
- Rent a truck
- $400–$700
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Dig into Racine
Questions
Is Racine cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. Racine leaves about $616 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,162 in Racine.
Does Racine have state income tax?
Racine is in Wisconsin, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Chicago to Racine?
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.