Moving from Springfield, MA to Aurora, IL
The drive from Springfield, MA to Aurora, IL runs 939 mi β about 18h 9m 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.
939 mi Β· 18h 9m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 96.061 in Springfield to 103.595 in Aurora, a 7.8% 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 7.8% above Springfield at $294,613.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 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: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.98 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.8% between Springfield 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 far is Aurora, IL from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 939 mi and the route typically takes 18h 9m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 939 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,958 in Aurora vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 7.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,109 in Aurora vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 75.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Aurora more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 7.8% higher than Springfield (103.595 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Aurora, IL.