Moving from Peoria, IL to Aurora, IL
The 126 mi from Peoria to Aurora translate to about 2h 48m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
126 mi · 2h 48m by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IL 29, I 80, IL 71 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.231 in Peoria to 103.595 in Aurora, a 13.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Aurora: 13.6% above Peoria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 39.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.6% between Peoria and Aurora (ACS 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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Aurora more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 13.6% higher than Peoria (103.595 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 53.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 146.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Peoria 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 126 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Aurora, IL from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 126 mi and the route typically takes 2h 48m via IL 29 and I 80. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 52.7°F in Peoria (2.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 37.6 in.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Aurora, IL.