Moving from Naperville, IL to Centennial, CO
The drive from Naperville, IL to Centennial, CO runs 991 mi β about 17h 32m 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.
991 mi Β· 17h 32m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Centennial | 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 |
Centennial and Naperville are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 105.782); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.1% higher in Centennial than Naperville as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 15.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.2Β°F vs 50.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.59 |
Income steps down 2.1%: $150,937 in Naperville vs $128,167 in Centennial.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 991 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Centennial more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 2.1% higher than Naperville (105.782 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville 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.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 15.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 6.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Centennial, CO from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 991 mi and the route typically takes 17h 32m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Centennial, CO.