Moving from Hollywood, FL to Elgin, IL
Relocating 1367 mi from Hollywood to Elgin is a 25h 52m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1367 mi Β· 25h 52m 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, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hollywood | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.3% moving from Hollywood to Elgin β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $439,400 in Hollywood to $329,682 in Elgin, a 9.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Hollywood -5.8%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hollywood | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 65.0" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 27.1Β°F β 76.1Β°F in Hollywood vs 49.0Β°F in Elgin, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elgin sees 32.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD, FL US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hollywood | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 152,935 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $65,359 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 41 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.94 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.3% β $65,359 β $88,316 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 (27.1Β°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 much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Hollywood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $439,400 in Hollywood β a 25.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hollywood to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1367 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elgin more expensive than Hollywood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 9.3% lower than Hollywood (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Hollywood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $46,510 in the Hollywood 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.
How does household income compare in Hollywood vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $65,359 in Hollywood β a 35.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Hollywood, FL?
The driving distance is 1367 mi and the route typically takes 25h 52m 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 Hollywood.
City profiles: Hollywood, FL Β· Elgin, IL.