Moving from Dayton, OH to Aurora, IL
Relocating between Dayton, OH and Aurora, IL is a 323 mi drive — 6h 26m 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.
323 mi · 6h 26m by car · IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 70, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $136,592 to $316,958 moving to Aurora.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 39.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Dayton (53.3°F) and Aurora (50.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Aurora averages 27.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.8% — $43,454 → $90,109 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Aurora averages 27.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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 much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 132.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Aurora more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.8% higher than Dayton (103.595 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 323 mi and the route typically takes 6h 26m via I 65 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 107.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 53.3°F in Dayton (3.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 41.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Aurora, IL.