Moving from Joliet, IL to Aurora, IL
Relocating from Joliet, IL to Aurora, IL? The drive is 22 mi — about 40 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
22 mi · 40 min by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 30, I 55, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Aurora sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $259,875 in Joliet to $316,958 in Aurora, a 0.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 39.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.4°F vs 50.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.98 |
Household income lines up — $88,026 vs $90,109 on ACS 5-year 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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Aurora, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 22 mi and the route typically takes 40 min via US 30 and I 55. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 22.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Aurora?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.2°F in Aurora vs 50.4°F in Joliet (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 27.9 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 39.5 in vs 38.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Joliet 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 22 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 2.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Aurora, IL.