Moving from Springfield, IL to Aurora, IL
Relocating between Springfield, IL and Aurora, IL is a 179 mi drive β 3h 30m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
179 mi Β· 3h 30m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 30, IL 97 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora runs about 11.7% more expensive overall than Springfield β RPP 92.745 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $163,198 in Springfield to $316,958 in Aurora, a 11.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 39.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.9Β°F vs 50.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.7% β $65,537 β $90,109 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 179 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 94.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Aurora more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.7% higher than Springfield (103.595 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 179 mi and the route typically takes 3h 30m via I 55 and US 30. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 37.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Aurora, IL.