Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Aurora, IL
Cross-country relocations like Spokane Valley, WA β Aurora, IL cover 1771 mi and about 30h 28m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1771 mi Β· 30h 28m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Aurora and Spokane Valley are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.346 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Aurora typical home at $316,958 is 3.2% under Spokane Valley at $408,888 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 39.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.8Β°F vs 50.2Β°F per 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: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.2% between Spokane Valley and Aurora (ACS 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 Washington 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 22.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Aurora, IL from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 1771 mi and the route typically takes 30h 28m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1771 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Aurora more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 3.2% higher than Spokane Valley (103.595 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 27.4% 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 Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Aurora, IL.