Moving from Birmingham, AL to Naperville, IL
A move from Birmingham, AL to Naperville, IL covers 683 mi and around 12h 48m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
683 mi Β· 12h 48m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 80, I 355 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Chicago, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.644 in Birmingham to 103.595 in Naperville, a 13.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Naperville: 13.0% above Birmingham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 40.2" |
Naperville is 14.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (63.9Β°F vs 49.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Naperville is 13.0% above Birmingham ($44,376 vs $150,937, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 683 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 349.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Naperville more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 13.0% higher than Birmingham (103.595 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Naperville, IL from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 683 mi and the route typically takes 12h 48m via I 65 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 240.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 509,200 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 Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Naperville, IL.