Moving from Aurora, IL to Cincinnati, OH
The 322 mi from Aurora to Cincinnati translate to about 6h 21m 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.
322 mi Β· 6h 21m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 52, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Cincinnati is 7.9% cheaper than Aurora overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cincinnati is 7.9% below Aurora β $316,958 vs $249,568 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 43.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Aurora (50.2Β°F) and Cincinnati (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.9% between Aurora and Cincinnati (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 7.9% lower than Aurora (95.37 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 322 mi and the route typically takes 6h 21m via I 65 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 42.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 21.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 322 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· Cincinnati, OH.