Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Elgin, IL
It is 1378 mi between Pembroke Pines and Elgin 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
| Pembroke Pines | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.3% moving from Pembroke Pines to Elgin β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $487,422 in Pembroke Pines to $329,682 in Elgin, a 9.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 28.3Β°F β 77.3Β°F in Pembroke Pines 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: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.94 |
Households in Elgin earn about 9.3% more at the median β 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 Florida 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-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
- 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 (28.3Β°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
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines to Elgin?
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 does the job market in Elgin compare to Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pembroke Pines vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 8.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elgin more expensive than Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 9.3% lower than Pembroke Pines (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elgin, IL from Pembroke Pines, FL?
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.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 32.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Elgin, IL.