Moving from Elgin, IL to Meridian, ID
Moving from Elgin, IL to Meridian, ID is a 1674 mi cross-country relocation — about 28h 35m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1674 mi · 28h 35m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Meridian are 5.0% below Elgin — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Meridian typical home at $526,994 is 5.0% above Elgin at $329,682 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.0°F vs 53.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Meridian sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Meridian is 5.0% above Elgin ($88,316 → $98,686, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Meridian MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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 — 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: Meridian averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Meridian average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Meridian sees only 11.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Meridian compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1674 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Meridian?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Meridian vs 49.0°F in Elgin (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 39.9 in.
Is Meridian more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 5.0% lower than Elgin (98.391 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 59.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Meridian, ID from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1674 mi and the route typically takes 28h 35m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Meridian, ID.