Moving from Elgin, IL to Toledo, OH
The 283 mi from Elgin to Toledo translate to about 5h 36m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
283 mi Β· 5h 36m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Toledo is 11.7% 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 Toledo is 11.7% below Elgin β $329,682 vs $129,627 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 32.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0Β°F) and Toledo (51.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.27 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.7% between Elgin and Toledo (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
How far is Toledo, OH from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 283 mi and the route typically takes 5h 36m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Toledo more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 11.7% lower than Elgin (91.455 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 283 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 Toledo compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 290,070 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 Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 46.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 60.7% lower 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· Toledo, OH.