Moving from Elgin, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
The drive from Elgin, IL to Elizabeth, NJ runs 828 mi — about 15h 41m 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.
828 mi · 15h 41m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 103.595 in Elgin to 112.563 in Elizabeth, a 8.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 8.7% above Elgin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 46.6" |
Climate warms by 6.5°F on the annual average — 49.0°F → 55.5°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.7% between Elgin and Elizabeth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Elgin (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 49.0°F in Elgin (6.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 828 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 828 mi and the route typically takes 15h 41m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 62.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 27.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Elizabeth, NJ.