Moving from Knoxville, TN to Aurora, IL
Relocating 572 mi from Knoxville to Aurora is a 10h 50m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
572 mi Β· 10h 50m by car Β· TN β KY β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 11.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 39.5" |
Expect 7.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Aurora averages 27.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.9% β $50,994 β $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 Tennessee 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
- 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 the job market in Aurora compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 76.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Aurora, IL from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 572 mi and the route typically takes 10h 50m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 572 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 Aurora compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 14.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Aurora more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.9% higher than Knoxville (103.595 vs 92.569, 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 Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Aurora, IL.