Moving from Aurora, IL to Madison, WI
The 143 mi from Aurora to Madison translate to about 2h 51m behind the wheel through 2 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.
143 mi Β· 2h 51m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, I 90, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Madison is 6.1% 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 Madison is 6.1% above Aurora β $316,958 vs $423,767 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Aurora (50.2Β°F) and Madison (47.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.19 |
Income steps down 6.1%: $90,109 in Aurora vs $76,983 in Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 33.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Madison, WI from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 143 mi and the route typically takes 2h 51m via I 39 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 6.1% lower than Aurora (97.287 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 14.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 143 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· Madison, WI.