Moving from Lincoln, NE to Aurora, IL
Relocating between Lincoln, NE and Aurora, IL is a 489 mi drive — 8h 58m 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.
489 mi · 8h 58m by car · NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora runs about 13.1% more expensive overall than Lincoln — RPP 91.581 → 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Aurora run about 13.1% pricier — ZHVI $291,062 → $316,958 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 39.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.3°F vs 50.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.1% — $69,991 → $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 Nebraska 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
When is the best time to move from Lincoln 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 489 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Aurora more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 13.1% higher than Lincoln (103.595 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 489 mi and the route typically takes 8h 58m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (2.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 29.3 in.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 28.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 8.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Aurora, IL.