Moving from Modesto, CA to Aurora, IL
Cross-country relocations like Modesto, CA β Aurora, IL cover 2085 mi and about 35h 46m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2085 mi Β· 35h 46m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora and Modesto are close on the overall BEA RPP (104.108 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Aurora typical home at $316,958 is 0.5% under Modesto at $446,494 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 39.5" |
Climate cools by 12.9Β°F on the annual average β 63.1Β°F β 50.2Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.98 |
Income steps up 0.5%: $77,899 in Modesto vs $90,109 in Aurora.
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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.9Β°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
How far is Aurora, IL from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2085 mi and the route typically takes 35h 46m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 15.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Aurora more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 0.5% lower than Modesto (103.595 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2085 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Aurora, IL.