Moving from Tempe, AZ to Aurora, IL
It is 1724 mi and 31h 1m from Tempe to Aurora — a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1724 mi · 31h 1m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.316 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $468,281 to $316,958 moving to Aurora.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 39.5" |
Expect 21.6°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Aurora averages 27.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.3% higher in Aurora than Tempe.
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 Arizona 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Aurora averages 27.9 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.6°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
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 71.8°F in Tempe (21.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 16.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 1724 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Aurora more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 0.3% higher than Tempe (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1724 mi and the route typically takes 31h 1m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Aurora, IL.