Moving from Overland Park, KS to Aurora, IL
Relocating 514 mi from Overland Park to Aurora is a 9h 29m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
514 mi · 9h 29m by car · KS → MO → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora runs about 11.9% more expensive overall than Overland Park — RPP 92.543 → 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $482,295 in Overland Park to $316,958 in Aurora, a 11.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Overland Park | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 39.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 55.1°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: OLATHE 3E, KS US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.9% lower in Aurora than Overland Park.
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 Kansas 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 Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 514 mi and the route typically takes 9h 29m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Overland Park and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 55.1°F in Overland Park (4.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 40.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $482,295 in Overland Park — a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park 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 514 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $103,838 in Overland Park — a 13.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Aurora more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.9% higher than Overland Park (103.595 vs 92.543, 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 Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS · Aurora, IL.