Moving from Carrollton, TX to Aurora, IL
Relocating 896 mi from Carrollton to Aurora is a 16h 49m 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.
896 mi Β· 16h 49m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carrollton | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Carrollton -4.6%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carrollton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 39.5" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.6Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carrollton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,741 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $99,115 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% lower in Aurora than Carrollton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Aurora more expensive than Carrollton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 0.5% higher than Carrollton (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Carrollton, TX?
The driving distance is 896 mi and the route typically takes 16h 49m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Carrollton vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $99,115 in Carrollton β a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Carrollton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $406,040 in Carrollton β a 21.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Carrollton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Carrollton to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 896 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Carrollton.
City profiles: Carrollton, TX Β· Aurora, IL.