Uprootmap
Chicago vs South Bend
Chicago and South Bend
Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in South Bend are above the US rate in this release, 8.2 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Chicago to South Bend
In 2022-2023, 477 households filed a move from Chicago to South Bend (about 775 people, average adjusted gross income $64,252). 482 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,005 in South Bend. Chicago has a state tax on wages. South Bend has a state tax on wages. Local pay in South Bend is 87% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Chicago.
South Bend averages 181 sunny days, with July highs around 81°F and January nights around 25°F. Chicago is 189 sunny days, 84°F in July, 20°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in South Bend 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, 477 households moved Chicago → South Bend (about 775 people, average AGI $64,252). 482 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 South Bend changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 106 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,050
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,050
- Rent a truck
- $400–$750
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Dig into South Bend
Questions
Is South Bend cheaper than Chicago after tax and rent?
Yes. South Bend leaves about $756 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,782 in Chicago and $1,005 in South Bend.
Does South Bend have state income tax?
South Bend is in Indiana, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.50%.
Did people actually move from Chicago to South Bend?
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.