Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Elgin, IL
A move from Winston-Salem, NC to Elgin, IL covers 732 mi and around 14h 21m of driving through 6 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.
732 mi Β· 14h 21m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 52, US 35, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Dayton, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.043 in Winston-Salem to 103.595 in Elgin, a 12.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elgin: 12.6% above Winston-Salem on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 39.9" |
Elgin is 10.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (59.5Β°F vs 49.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 12.6% above Winston-Salem ($57,673 vs $88,316, 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 North Carolina 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 14h 21m via US 52 and US 35. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Elgin more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 12.6% higher than Winston-Salem (103.595 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 24.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 53.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Elgin, IL.