Moving from Elgin, IL to Rochester, MN
Moving from Elgin, IL to Rochester, MN covers 310 mi and about 5h 39m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
310 mi · 5h 39m by car · MN → WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 90.821, putting Rochester roughly 12.3% below Elgin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $329,682 vs $339,455 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.4 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Rochester averages 53.1 in annually vs 32.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rochester, MN from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 310 mi and the route typically takes 5h 39m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 49.0°F in Elgin (4.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 310 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 3.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rochester more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 12.3% lower than Elgin (90.821 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 0.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 119,430 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 · Rochester, MN.