Moving from Naperville, IL to Elgin, IL
It is a short 28 mi hop from Naperville, IL to Elgin, IL β roughly 51 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
28 mi Β· 51 min by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IL 59, US 20, US 34 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $610,454 to $329,682 moving to Elgin.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Naperville (49.2Β°F) and Elgin (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elgin averages 32.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.94 |
Elgin households earn about 0.0% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 β $88,316 on 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 41.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 46.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 28 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 Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 28 mi and the route typically takes 51 min via IL 59 and US 20. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Elgin, IL.