Moving from Naperville, IL to Worcester, MA
It is 980 mi between Naperville and Worcester β roughly 18h 32m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
980 mi Β· 18h 32m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Naperville and Worcester sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $610,454 in Naperville to $430,112 in Worcester, a 1.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 48.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.2Β°F vs 48.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Worcester sees 72.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.6 |
Worcester households earn about 1.0% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 β $67,544 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Worcester, MA from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 980 mi and the route typically takes 18h 32m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 980 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Worcester more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 1.0% lower than Naperville (102.523 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 55.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 29.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Worcester, MA.