Moving from Omaha, NE to Aurora, IL
Moving from Omaha, NE to Aurora, IL covers 442 mi and about 8h 9m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
442 mi Β· 8h 9m by car Β· NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Elgin, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.911 in Omaha to 103.595 in Aurora, a 12.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Aurora at $316,958 is 12.7% above Omaha at $294,189.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 39.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 27.9 in of snowfall annually at Aurora.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.98 |
Median household income in Aurora is 12.7% above Omaha ($72,708 vs $90,109, 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.
Moving between Nebraska 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 much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 7.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 442 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 23.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Aurora more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 12.7% higher than Omaha (103.595 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, IL from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 442 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Aurora, IL.