Moving from Durham, NC to Naperville, IL
Relocating 794 mi from Durham to Naperville is a 15h 24m drive through 6 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.
794 mi Β· 15h 24m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 35, US 52, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Naperville runs about 6.2% more expensive overall than Durham β RPP 97.572 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $396,395 in Durham to $610,454 in Naperville, a 6.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 40.2" |
Expect 9.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.2% β $79,234 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville 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 North Carolina 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Durham to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 794 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $79,234 in Durham β a 90.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Naperville, IL from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 794 mi and the route typically takes 15h 24m via US 35 and US 52. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $396,395 in Durham β a 54.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Naperville more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 6.2% higher than Durham (103.595 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Naperville, IL.