Moving from Waco, TX to Naperville, IL
Relocating 1000 mi from Waco to Naperville is a 18h 38m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1000 mi Β· 18h 38m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Naperville runs about 11.9% more expensive overall than Waco β RPP 92.55 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $194,245 in Waco to $610,454 in Naperville, a 11.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperature drops 17.4Β°F β 66.6Β°F in Waco vs 49.2Β°F in Naperville, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.9% β $51,468 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
Moving between Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.4Β°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
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $194,245 in Waco β a 214.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Naperville more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 11.9% higher than Waco (103.595 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1000 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 Waco vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $51,468 in Waco β a 193.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Naperville, IL from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 1000 mi and the route typically takes 18h 38m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Naperville, IL.