Moving from Aurora, IL to Des Moines, IA
It is a 301 mi drive, roughly 5h 35m, between Aurora, IL and Des Moines, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
301 mi · 5h 35m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.5% cheaper overall in Des Moines than Aurora on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.5% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 36.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.36 |
Des Moines households earn about 11.5% less than Aurora at the median — $90,109 → $63,966 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Des Moines more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 11.5% lower than Aurora (91.701 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 301 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 50.2°F in Aurora (0.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 39.5 in.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 29.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 301 mi and the route typically takes 5h 35m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Des Moines, IA.