Moving from Toledo, OH to Elgin, IL
The 283 mi from Toledo to Elgin translate to about 5h 36m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
283 mi Β· 5h 36m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Elgin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.3% pricier overall in Elgin than Toledo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Elgin typical home at $329,682 is 13.3% above Toledo at $129,627 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Elgin +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 39.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.4Β°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: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, ELGIN, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 114,106 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $88,316 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.94 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.3% between Toledo and Elgin (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 Ohio 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.
- 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 Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $329,682 in Elgin vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 154.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Elgin more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elgin is 13.3% higher than Toledo (103.595 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Toledo to Elgin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 283 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 Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Elgin MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Toledo vs Elgin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,316 in Elgin vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 85.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elgin, IL from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 283 mi and the route typically takes 5h 36m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 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 Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Elgin, IL.