Moving from Round Rock, TX to Elgin, IL
The drive from Round Rock, TX to Elgin, IL runs 1098 mi — about 20h 34m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1098 mi · 20h 34m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 5.6% pricier overall in Elgin than Round Rock on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 5.6% lower in Elgin than Round Rock as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.94 |
Income steps down 5.6%: $97,187 in Round Rock vs $88,316 in Elgin.
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 Texas 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Round Rock 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 1098 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 19.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elgin more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 5.6% higher than Round Rock (103.595 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elgin, IL from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1098 mi and the route typically takes 20h 34m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Elgin, IL.