Moving from Tulsa, OK to Aurora, IL
A move from Tulsa, OK to Aurora, IL covers 664 mi and around 12h 15m of driving through 3 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.
664 mi · 12h 15m by car · OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.214 in Tulsa to 103.595 in Aurora, a 16.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Aurora: 16.1% above Tulsa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 39.5" |
Aurora is 11.1°F cooler on the annual average (61.3°F vs 50.2°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.98 |
Median household income in Aurora is 16.1% above Tulsa ($58,407 vs $90,109, ACS 5-year 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 Oklahoma 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1°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 Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 16.1% higher than Tulsa (103.595 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 664 mi and the route typically takes 12h 15m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (11.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 41.0 in.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 54.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa 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 664 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 45.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Aurora, IL.