Moving from Elgin, IL to Colorado Springs, CO
The drive from Elgin, IL to Colorado Springs, CO runs 1042 mi — about 18h 31m 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.
1042 mi · 18h 31m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Aurora, Denver, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Colorado Springs and Elgin are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 100.707); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Colorado Springs typical home at $449,452 is 2.8% above Elgin at $329,682 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 15.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.0°F vs 50.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Colorado Springs sees 32.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.44 |
Income steps down 2.8%: $88,316 in Elgin vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1042 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 49.0°F in Elgin (1.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 39.9 in.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 2.8% lower than Elgin (100.707 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1042 mi and the route typically takes 18h 31m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 5.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 36.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Colorado Springs, CO.