Moving from Cambridge, MA to Elgin, IL
The drive from Cambridge, MA to Elgin, IL runs 1031 mi β about 19h 39m 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.
1031 mi Β· 19h 39m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cambridge (108.266) and Elgin (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Elgin: 4.3% below Cambridge on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.94 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.3% between Cambridge 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
- 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 Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 4.3% lower than Cambridge (103.595 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1031 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 Cambridge vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 30.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1031 mi and the route typically takes 19h 39m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 68.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Elgin, IL.