Moving from St. Louis, MO to Aurora, IL
Relocating between St. Louis, MO and Aurora, IL is a 277 mi drive β 5h 17m 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.
277 mi Β· 5h 17m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 40, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Joliet, Naperville, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora runs about 8.9% more expensive overall than St. Louis β RPP 95.088 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 39.5" |
Expect 7.8Β°F colder year-round on the 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: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.9% β $55,279 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.
Moving between Missouri 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 277 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 63.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Aurora more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 8.9% higher than St. Louis (103.595 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 277 mi and the route typically takes 5h 17m via I 55 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 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 St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Aurora, IL.