Moving from Aurora, IL to Glendale, AZ
Moving from Aurora, IL to Glendale, AZ is a 1774 mi cross-country relocation — about 31h 14m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1774 mi · 31h 14m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Aurora (103.595) and Glendale (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Glendale: 0.3% above Aurora on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 8.3" |
Major climate step-up: 21.7°F warmer annual average in Glendale vs Aurora.
Effectively snow-free year in Glendale — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.88 |
Median household income in Glendale is 0.3% below Aurora ($90,109 vs $70,139, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 28.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 22.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1774 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Glendale more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 0.3% lower than Aurora (103.316 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 1774 mi and the route typically takes 31h 14m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 50.2°F in Aurora (21.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 39.5 in.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 4,506,800 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Glendale, AZ.