Moving from Des Moines, IA to Aurora, IL
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Aurora, IL is a 301 mi drive — 5h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
301 mi · 5h 35m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.0% above Des Moines — 91.701 → 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.0% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.0% — $63,966 → $90,109 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 far is Aurora, IL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 301 mi and the route typically takes 5h 35m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 40.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 52.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Aurora more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 13.0% higher than Des Moines (103.595 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (0.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 301 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Aurora, IL.