Moving from Elgin, IL to Round Rock, TX
The drive from Elgin, IL to Round Rock, TX runs 1098 mi — about 20h 34m 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.
1098 mi · 20h 34m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 98.066, putting Round Rock roughly 5.3% below Elgin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Round Rock: 5.3% above Elgin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.66 |
Income steps up 5.3%: $88,316 in Elgin vs $97,187 in Round Rock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 23.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1098 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 5.3% lower than Elgin (98.066 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1098 mi and the route typically takes 20h 34m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 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 · Round Rock, TX.