Moving from Elgin, IL to Pembroke Pines, FL
It is 1378 mi between Elgin and Pembroke Pines β roughly 26h 4m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1378 mi Β· 26h 4m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $329,682 to $487,422 moving to Pembroke Pines.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 62.0" |
Expect 28.3Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.67 |
Households in Pembroke Pines earn about 10.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (28.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 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 Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 7.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1378 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 Pembroke Pines compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 47.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 1378 mi and the route typically takes 26h 4m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 10.2% higher than Elgin (114.155 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· Pembroke Pines, FL.