Moving from Rockford, IL to Pembroke Pines, FL
The drive from Rockford, IL to Pembroke Pines, FL runs 1431 mi β about 26h 33m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1431 mi Β· 26h 33m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, US 51 |
| 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
| Rockford | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Pembroke Pines runs 23.9% higher than Rockford β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (92.154 β 114.155, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pembroke Pines is 23.9% above Rockford β $177,225 vs $487,422 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 62.0" |
Pembroke Pines runs 27.9Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.4Β°F vs 77.3Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.67 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 23.9% between Rockford and Pembroke Pines (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (27.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 23.9% higher than Rockford (114.155 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 1431 mi and the route typically takes 26h 33m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 175.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1431 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 Rockford vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 53.2% higher 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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.