Moving from Aurora, IL to Springfield, MO
The 490 mi from Aurora to Springfield translate to about 9h 17m 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.
490 mi Β· 9h 17m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 88.585, putting Springfield roughly 14.5% below Aurora on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 14.5% below Aurora on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 46.5" |
Climate warms by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 50.2Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.5% between Aurora and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 23.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 49.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 17m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.5% lower than Aurora (88.585 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Springfield, MO.