Moving from Aurora, IL to Birmingham, AL
A move from Aurora, IL to Birmingham, AL covers 693 mi and around 13h 3m of driving through 5 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.
693 mi · 13h 3m by car · AL → TN → KY → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → KY → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 294, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Chicago, Naperville, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Birmingham are 11.5% below Aurora — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Birmingham typical home at $135,870 is 11.5% under Aurora at $316,958 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 56.6" |
Birmingham runs 13.7°F warmer on the annual average (50.2°F vs 63.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Expect 1.4 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.25 |
Median household income in Birmingham is 11.5% below Aurora ($90,109 vs $44,376, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Birmingham average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Birmingham, AL from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 693 mi and the route typically takes 13h 3m via I 65 and I 294. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 50.2°F in Aurora (13.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 39.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 57.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 11.5% lower than Aurora (91.644 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 50.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 693 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Birmingham, AL.