Moving from Richardson, TX to Aurora, IL
A move from Richardson, TX to Aurora, IL covers 888 mi and around 16h 39m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
888 mi Β· 16h 39m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora and Richardson are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.09 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 Richardson at $440,400 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 39.5" |
NOAA normals show Aurora running 15.6Β°F below Richardson on the annual mean.
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: RICHARDSON, TX US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.98 |
Median household income in Aurora is 0.5% below Richardson ($96,257 β $90,109, 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.
Moving between Texas 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.
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 (15.6Β°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
Is Aurora more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 0.5% higher than Richardson (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 6.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 28.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 888 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Aurora, IL from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 888 mi and the route typically takes 16h 39m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Aurora, IL.