Moving from Rockford, IL to Naperville, IL
The 79 mi from Rockford to Naperville translate to about 1h 38m 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.
79 mi · 1h 38m by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Naperville is 12.4% higher than Rockford, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Naperville is 12.4% above Rockford — $177,225 vs $610,454 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rockford | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 15°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Rockford (49.4°F) and Naperville (49.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.75 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.4% between Rockford and Naperville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $53,328 in Rockford — a 183.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Naperville more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 12.4% higher than Rockford (103.595 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $177,225 in Rockford — a 244.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Naperville, IL from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 79 mi and the route typically takes 1h 38m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 79 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL · Naperville, IL.