Moving from Elgin, IL to Green Bay, WI
Moving from Elgin, IL to Green Bay, WI covers 203 mi and about 4h 9m by car through 2 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.
203 mi Β· 4h 9m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, WI 57, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Green Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.086 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.041 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 74.696 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 93.086, putting Green Bay roughly 10.1% below Elgin on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Green Bay ZHVI at $278,024 is 10.1% below Elgin at $329,682.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Green Bay +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 32.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 106,585 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $62,546 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Green Bay is 10.1% below Elgin ($88,316 vs $62,546, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Green Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,540 | $44,720 |
| Production Occupations | 21,100 | $46,550 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 17,340 | $44,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,060 | $36,480 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,500 | $28,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Green Bay more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Green Bay is 10.1% lower than Elgin (93.086 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Green Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,546 in Green Bay vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 29.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Green Bay compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 171,590 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Green Bay compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $278,024 in Green Bay vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 15.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Green Bay, WI from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 203 mi and the route typically takes 4h 9m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Green Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 203 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Green Bay, WI.