Moving from St. Louis, MO to Elgin, IL
The 293 mi from St. Louis to Elgin translate to about 5h 47m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
293 mi Β· 5h 47m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, IL 47, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.9% pricier overall in Elgin than St. Louis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 39.9" |
Climate cools by 9.0Β°F on the annual average β 58.0Β°F β 49.0Β°F.
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: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.94 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.9% between St. Louis and Elgin (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 Missouri 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.
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.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 293 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elgin more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 8.9% higher than St. Louis (103.595 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elgin, IL from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 293 mi and the route typically takes 5h 47m via I 55 and IL 47. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 59.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,325,480 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 St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Elgin, IL.