Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Aurora, IL
The 210 mi from Cedar Rapids to Aurora translate to about 3h 58m 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.
210 mi Β· 3h 58m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 103.595 in Aurora, a 16.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Aurora: 16.4% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 39.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 16.4% between Cedar Rapids and Aurora (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora 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 Iowa 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 32.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Aurora, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 3h 58m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Aurora more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 16.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (103.595 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 55.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Aurora, IL.