Moving from Aurora, IL to Cambridge, MA
Relocating 1025 mi from Aurora to Cambridge is a 19h 31m drive through 7 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.
1025 mi Β· 19h 31m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 108.266 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 4.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $316,958 to $1,041,569 moving to Cambridge.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Aurora (50.2Β°F) and Cambridge (51.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.5% β $90,109 β $126,469 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Cambridge, MA from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 1025 mi and the route typically takes 19h 31m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 4.5% higher than Aurora (108.266 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 40.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 228.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1025 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Cambridge, MA.