Moving from Elgin, IL to Omaha, NE
Relocating between Elgin, IL and Omaha, NE is a 446 mi drive β 8h 24m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
446 mi Β· 8h 24m by car Β· NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Omaha at 91.911 vs Elgin at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 11.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0Β°F) and Omaha (51.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.3% lower in Omaha than Elgin.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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
- Tornado season peaks May through July 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Omaha, NE from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 446 mi and the route typically takes 8h 24m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 10.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 446 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 Omaha compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Omaha more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 11.3% lower than Elgin (91.911 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Omaha, NE.