Moving from Hialeah, FL to Elgin, IL
A move from Hialeah, FL to Elgin, IL covers 1382 mi and around 26h 13m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1382 mi Β· 26h 13m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Fort Lauderdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hialeah | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 103.595, putting Elgin roughly 9.3% below Hialeah on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Elgin: 9.3% below Hialeah on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hialeah -3.0%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hialeah | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 62.7" | 39.9" |
Major climate step-down: 27.9Β°F cooler annual average in Elgin vs Hialeah.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hialeah | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 221,901 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $53,079 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 45.9 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 9.3% above Hialeah ($53,079 vs $88,316, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (27.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Hialeah vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $53,079 in Hialeah β a 66.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Hialeah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $443,804 in Hialeah β a 25.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Hialeah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $46,510 in the Hialeah MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elgin more expensive than Hialeah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 9.3% lower than Hialeah (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hialeah to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1382 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elgin, IL from Hialeah, FL?
The driving distance is 1382 mi and the route typically takes 26h 13m via I 75 and I 65. 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 Hialeah.
City profiles: Hialeah, FL Β· Elgin, IL.