Moving from Elgin, IL to Evansville, IN
The 323 mi from Elgin to Evansville translate to about 7h 13m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
323 mi Β· 7h 13m by car Β· IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 41, SR 63, US 150 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Evansville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.528 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 86.717 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 66.735 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 91.528, putting Evansville roughly 11.6% below Elgin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Evansville: 11.6% below Elgin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Evansville +3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 47.8" |
Climate warms by 10.1Β°F on the annual average β 49.0Β°F β 59.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 116,441 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $52,251 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.23 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.6% between Elgin and Evansville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Evansville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,860 | $38,480 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,890 | $36,600 |
| Production Occupations | 14,790 | $42,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,900 | $27,390 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,580 | $31,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Evansville, IN from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 323 mi and the route typically takes 7h 13m via US 41 and SR 63. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Evansville compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,977 in Evansville vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 39.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Evansville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Evansville more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Evansville is 11.6% lower than Elgin (91.528 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Evansville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,251 in Evansville vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 40.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Evansville compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,930 in the Evansville MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 152,180 and 4,506,800 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Evansville, IN.