Moving from Aurora, IL to Plano, TX
Relocating 886 mi from Aurora to Plano is a 16h 40m 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.
886 mi Β· 16h 40m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $316,958 to $498,989 moving to Plano.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 41.9" |
Expect 15.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.5% β $90,109 β $108,649 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Plano, TX from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 886 mi and the route typically takes 16h 40m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 57.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 886 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Plano more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 0.5% lower than Aurora (103.09 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 20.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Plano, TX.