Moving from Aurora, IL to Newark, NJ
It is 817 mi between Aurora and Newark — roughly 15h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
817 mi · 15h 22m 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, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Newark | 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 |
Newark 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 $478,455 in Newark, a 8.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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: Newark 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 | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.7 |
Newark households earn about 8.7% less than Aurora at the median — $90,109 → $48,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark 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: Newark 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: Newark 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 far is Newark, NJ from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 15h 22m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Newark more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 8.7% higher than Aurora (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark 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.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 51.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark 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.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 46.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 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 · Newark, NJ.