Moving from Abilene, TX to Elgin, IL
The drive from Abilene, TX to Elgin, IL runs 1077 mi — about 19h 49m 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.
1077 mi · 19h 49m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 277 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.364 in Abilene to 103.595 in Elgin, a 14.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elgin: 14.6% above Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 39.9" |
Major climate step-down: 16.9°F cooler annual average in Elgin vs Abilene.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.94 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.6% between Abilene 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 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Elgin averages 32.1 in annually vs 3.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.9°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
Is Elgin more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 14.6% higher than Abilene (103.595 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene 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 1077 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Elgin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.0°F in Elgin vs 65.9°F in Abilene (16.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.1 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 25.2 in.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 40.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 1077 mi and the route typically takes 19h 49m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 57.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Elgin, IL.