Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Naperville, IL
It is a 267 mi drive, roughly 5h 8m, between Ann Arbor, MI and Naperville, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
267 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, I 355 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.88 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Naperville (49.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.75 |
Naperville households earn about 2.7% more than Ann Arbor at the median β $81,089 β $150,937 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 16.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 267 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Naperville, IL from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 267 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Naperville more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 2.7% higher than Ann Arbor (103.595 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 86.1% 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Naperville, IL.