Moving from Rochester, MN to Elgin, IL
Moving from Rochester, MN to Elgin, IL covers 310 mi and about 5h 39m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
310 mi · 5h 39m by car · MN → WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 14.1% pricier overall in Elgin than Rochester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 44.8°F vs 49.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elgin sees 32.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.94 |
Household income lines up — $87,767 vs $88,316 on 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
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 does household income compare in Rochester vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 310 mi and the route typically takes 5h 39m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 310 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 2.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Elgin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.0°F in Elgin vs 44.8°F in Rochester (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.1 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 34.7 in.
Is Elgin more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 14.1% higher than Rochester (103.595 vs 90.821, 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Elgin, IL.