Moving from Akron, OH to Elgin, IL
Moving from Akron, OH to Elgin, IL covers 404 mi and about 7h 50m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
404 mi Β· 7h 50m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.37 in Akron to 103.595 in Elgin, a 11.0% 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: 11.0% above Akron on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 39.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 11.0% above Akron ($48,544 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 Ohio 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
How far is Elgin, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 404 mi and the route typically takes 7h 50m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $48,544 in Akron β a 81.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 404 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $137,894 in Akron β a 139.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elgin more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 11.0% higher than Akron (103.595 vs 93.37, 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Elgin, IL.