Moving from Elgin, IL to Aurora, CO
The drive from Elgin, IL to Aurora, CO runs 973 mi β about 17h 15m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
973 mi Β· 17h 15m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Elgin (103.595) and Aurora (105.782) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Aurora: 2.1% above Elgin on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Aurora -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 390,201 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $84,320 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.73 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Aurora average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Aurora more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 2.1% higher than Elgin (105.782 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 973 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 Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $463,081 in Aurora vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 40.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,320 in Aurora vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 4.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Aurora, CO from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 973 mi and the route typically takes 17h 15m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Aurora MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Aurora, CO.