Moving from Allen, TX to Elgin, IL
The drive from Allen, TX to Elgin, IL runs 894 mi β about 16h 58m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
894 mi Β· 16h 58m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allen | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Allen (103.09) and Elgin (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Elgin: 0.5% below Allen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allen -6.4%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allen | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 39.9" |
Major climate step-down: 16.0Β°F cooler annual average in Elgin vs Allen.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNI AP, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allen | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,684 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $129,130 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 38.5 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.94 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.5% between Allen and Elgin (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Allen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $493,532 in Allen β a 33.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Allen vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $129,130 in Allen β a 31.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Allen, TX?
The driving distance is 894 mi and the route typically takes 16h 58m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allen to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 894 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Allen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $48,440 in the Allen MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elgin more expensive than Allen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 0.5% higher than Allen (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allen.
City profiles: Allen, TX Β· Elgin, IL.