Moving from Richardson, TX to Elgin, IL
Relocating 905 mi from Richardson to Elgin is a 17h 10m 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.
905 mi Β· 17h 10m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Richardson and Elgin sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $440,400 in Richardson to $329,682 in Elgin, a 0.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.8Β°F β 65.8Β°F in Richardson 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: RICHARDSON, TX US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.94 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% lower in Elgin than Richardson.
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 (16.8Β°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
Is Elgin more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 0.5% higher than Richardson (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Elgin compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 25.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elgin, IL from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 905 mi and the route typically takes 17h 10m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Elgin compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 905 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 8.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Elgin, IL.