Moving from Aurora, IL to Omaha, NE
The 442 mi from Aurora to Omaha translate to about 8h 9m 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.
442 mi Β· 8h 9m by car Β· NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Omaha are 11.3% below Aurora β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.3% lower in Omaha than Aurora as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.2Β°F vs 51.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.44 |
Income steps down 11.3%: $90,109 in Aurora vs $72,708 in Omaha.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Omaha more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 11.3% lower than Aurora (91.911 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 7.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Omaha, NE from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 442 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 19.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 442 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· Omaha, NE.