Moving from Aurora, IL to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Aurora, IL and Springfield, IL is a 179 mi drive β 3h 30m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
179 mi Β· 3h 30m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 30, IL 97 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.5% cheaper overall in Springfield than Aurora on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.24 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.5% β $90,109 β $65,537 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 179 mi and the route typically takes 3h 30m via I 55 and US 30. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.5% lower than Aurora (92.745 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 27.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 179 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 48.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 103,670 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 Β· Springfield, IL.