Moving from Carrollton, TX to Elgin, IL
The drive from Carrollton, TX to Elgin, IL runs 915 mi β about 17h 21m 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.
915 mi Β· 17h 21m 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 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carrollton | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Carrollton (103.09) 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
Moderate housing drop: Elgin ZHVI at $329,682 is 0.5% below Carrollton at $406,040.
YoY change: Carrollton -4.6%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carrollton | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 39.9" |
Major climate step-down: 16.8Β°F cooler annual average in Elgin vs Carrollton.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.1 in of snowfall annually at Elgin.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carrollton | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,741 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $99,115 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.94 |
Income steps down 0.5%: $99,115 in Carrollton vs $88,316 in Elgin.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.8Β°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 does the job market in Elgin compare to Carrollton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elgin, IL from Carrollton, TX?
The driving distance is 915 mi and the route typically takes 17h 21m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Carrollton to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 915 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 Carrollton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $406,040 in Carrollton β a 18.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elgin more expensive than Carrollton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 0.5% higher than Carrollton (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Carrollton vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $99,115 in Carrollton β a 10.9% lower 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 Carrollton.
City profiles: Carrollton, TX Β· Elgin, IL.