Moving from Columbus, OH to Aurora, IL
The 390 mi from Columbus to Aurora translate to about 7h 32m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
390 mi Β· 7h 32m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 65, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Aurora is 8.5% higher than Columbus, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Aurora is 8.5% above Columbus β $245,979 vs $316,958 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 39.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Columbus (52.8Β°F) and Aurora (50.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Aurora averages 27.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.5% between Columbus and Aurora (ACS 2023).
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 Ohio 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.
- 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
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 37.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Aurora, IL from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 32m via I 70 and I 65. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Aurora more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 8.5% higher than Columbus (103.595 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 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 Aurora compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 28.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Aurora, IL.