Moving from Green Bay, WI to Elgin, IL
Moving from Green Bay, WI to Elgin, IL 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
| Green Bay | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.3% pricier overall in Elgin than Green Bay on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.3% higher in Elgin than Green Bay as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 44.7Β°F vs 49.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elgin sees 32.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 11.3% above Green Bay ($62,546 vs $88,316, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elgin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elgin averages 32.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 41.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Green Bay, WI?
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 Green Bay to Elgin?
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.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 18.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elgin more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 11.3% higher than Green Bay (103.595 vs 93.086, 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Elgin, IL.