Moving from Amarillo, TX to Elgin, IL
Relocating 1045 mi from Amarillo to Elgin is a 18h 59m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1045 mi Β· 18h 59m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 40, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Elgin runs about 12.8% more expensive overall than Amarillo β RPP 91.82 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $206,787 in Amarillo to $329,682 in Elgin, a 12.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 39.9" |
Expect 7.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.94 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.8% β $62,469 β $88,316 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 does household income compare in Amarillo vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 41.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 59.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elgin more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 12.8% higher than Amarillo (103.595 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elgin, IL from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 1045 mi and the route typically takes 18h 59m via I 44 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1045 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Elgin, IL.