Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Elgin, IL
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Elgin, IL covers 370 mi and about 6h 45m by car through 3 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.
370 mi Β· 6h 45m by car Β· MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Elgin and Minneapolis are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.822 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 45.8Β°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: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 33 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.94 |
Median household income in Elgin is 1.2% above Minneapolis ($80,269 β $88,316, ACS 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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 370 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Elgin, IL from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 370 mi and the route typically takes 6h 45m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 0.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elgin more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 1.2% lower than Minneapolis (103.595 vs 104.822, 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Elgin, IL.