Moving from Elgin, IL to Lee's Summit, MO
The drive from Elgin, IL to Lee's Summit, MO runs 509 mi β about 9h 35m 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.
509 mi Β· 9h 35m by car Β· IL β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 35, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit is 10.7% cheaper than Elgin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lee's Summit is 10.7% above Elgin ($390,166 vs $329,682 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 38.3" |
Climate warms by 6.7Β°F on the annual average β 49.0Β°F β 55.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.6 |
Income steps up 10.7%: $88,316 in Elgin vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 18.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 509 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 509 mi and the route typically takes 9h 35m via I 80 and I 35. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 10.7% lower than Elgin (92.543 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 18.3% 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 Β· Lee's Summit, MO.