Moving from Aurora, IL to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating 822 mi from Aurora to Jersey City is a 15h 29m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
822 mi · 15h 29m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City runs about 8.7% more expensive overall than Aurora — RPP 103.595 → 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $316,958 in Aurora to $658,269 in Jersey City, a 8.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 50.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.2°F vs 54.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.7% higher in Jersey City than Aurora.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 5.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 107.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 50.2°F in Aurora (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 39.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 822 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 822 mi and the route typically takes 15h 29m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 8.7% higher than Aurora (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Jersey City, NJ.