Moving from Concord, CA to Elgin, IL
Cross-country relocations like Concord, CA β Elgin, IL cover 2085 mi and about 36h 3m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2085 mi Β· 36h 3m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Oakland, Hayward, Antioch, Berkeley, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Elgin is 10.4% cheaper than Concord overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elgin is 10.4% below Concord β $742,769 vs $329,682 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 39.9" |
Climate cools by 13.0Β°F on the annual average β 62.0Β°F β 49.0Β°F.
Elgin averages 32.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.94 |
Income steps down 10.4%: $109,195 in Concord vs $88,316 in Elgin.
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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.0Β°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 Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $742,769 in Concord β a 55.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $109,195 in Concord β a 19.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2085 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elgin, IL from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 2085 mi and the route typically takes 36h 3m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elgin more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 10.4% lower than Concord (103.595 vs 115.613, 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 Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Elgin, IL.