Moving from McKinney, TX to Aurora, IL
Relocating 873 mi from McKinney to Aurora is a 16h 26m drive through 4 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.
873 mi Β· 16h 26m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Irving, Garland, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
McKinney and Aurora sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $481,963 in McKinney to $316,958 in Aurora, a 0.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 39.5" |
Expect 14.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Aurora sees 27.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.98 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.5% β $120,273 β $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 Texas 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 34.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 25.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 873 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Aurora more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 0.5% higher than McKinney (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 873 mi and the route typically takes 16h 26m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Aurora, IL.