Moving from Aurora, CO to Elgin, IL
The drive from Aurora, CO to Elgin, IL runs 973 mi β about 17h 15m 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.
973 mi Β· 17h 15m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Elgin and Aurora are close on the overall BEA RPP (105.782 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elgin typical home at $329,682 is 2.1% under Aurora at $463,081 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elgin sees 32.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.94 |
Household income lines up β $84,320 vs $88,316 on ACS 5-year 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 Colorado 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- 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 does household income compare in Aurora vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 4.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 28.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elgin, IL from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 973 mi and the route typically takes 17h 15m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elgin more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 2.1% lower than Aurora (103.595 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 973 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 Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Elgin, IL.