Moving from Pasadena, TX to Elgin, IL
Relocating 1081 mi from Pasadena to Elgin is a 20h 20m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1081 mi Β· 20h 20m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 67, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Houston, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Elgin runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than Pasadena β RPP 98.629 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $217,449 in Pasadena to $329,682 in Elgin, a 5.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 22.1Β°F β 71.1Β°F in Pasadena vs 49.0Β°F in Elgin, 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: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.94 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.0% β $64,270 β $88,316 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (22.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 51.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1081 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elgin more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 5.0% higher than Pasadena (103.595 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 37.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Elgin, IL from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 1081 mi and the route typically takes 20h 20m via I 55 and US 67. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Elgin, IL.