Moving from Aurora, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 819 mi from Aurora to Elizabeth is a 15h 31m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
819 mi · 15h 31m by car · IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.7% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.7% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $316,958 to $534,667 moving to Elizabeth.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 46.6" |
Expect 5.3°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.7% — $90,109 → $63,874 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 819 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Aurora (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 29.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 50.2°F in Aurora (5.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 39.5 in.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 819 mi and the route typically takes 15h 31m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 68.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Elizabeth, NJ.