Moving from Lee's Summit, MO to Aurora, IL
Relocating 504 mi from Lee's Summit to Aurora is a 9h 20m drive through 3 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.
504 mi Β· 9h 20m by car Β· IL β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 35, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Rockford, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lee's Summit | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.9% above Lee's Summit β 92.543 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 11.9% under Lee's Summit β $390,166 β $316,958 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Lee's Summit +2.1%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lee's Summit | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 39.5" |
Expect 5.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lee's Summit | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,583 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $104,989 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.98 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.9% lower in Aurora than Lee's Summit.
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 Missouri 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 far is Aurora, IL from Lee's Summit, MO?
The driving distance is 504 mi and the route typically takes 9h 20m via I 80 and I 35. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Lee's Summit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Lee's Summit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $390,166 in Lee's Summit β a 18.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Aurora more expensive than Lee's Summit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 11.9% higher than Lee's Summit (103.595 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lee's Summit vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit β a 14.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lee's Summit to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 504 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lee's Summit.
City profiles: Lee's Summit, MO Β· Aurora, IL.