Moving from Manchester, NH to Elgin, IL
A move from Manchester, NH to Elgin, IL covers 1062 mi and around 20h 25m of driving through 8 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.
1062 mi · 20h 25m by car · NH → MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NH → MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Lowell, Cambridge, Boston, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elgin and Manchester is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elgin is 2.0% below Manchester — $435,334 vs $329,682 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Manchester | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 13°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 81°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Manchester (47.4°F) and Elgin (49.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elgin averages 32.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 2.0% above Manchester ($77,415 → $88,316, ACS 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 New Hampshire 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 — 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-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather — check NH 511.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 far is Elgin, IL from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 1062 mi and the route typically takes 20h 25m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $77,415 in Manchester — a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $435,334 in Manchester — a 24.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1062 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Manchester and Elgin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.0°F in Elgin vs 47.4°F in Manchester (1.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.1 in vs 52.8 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 42.5 in.
Is Elgin more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 2.0% lower than Manchester (103.595 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH · Elgin, IL.