Moving from Springfield, MO to Aurora, IL
Moving from Springfield, MO to Aurora, IL covers 490 mi and about 9h 17m by car through 2 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.
490 mi Β· 9h 17m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Joliet, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 16.9% pricier overall in Aurora than Springfield on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Aurora typical home at $316,958 is 16.9% above Springfield at $242,870 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Aurora +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 27.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 39.5" |
Aurora is 6.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.4Β°F vs 50.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, AURORA, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 179,867 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $90,109 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.98 |
Median household income in Aurora is 16.9% above Springfield ($45,984 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 Missouri 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 does the job market in Aurora compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Aurora MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Aurora, IL from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 17m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Aurora more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 16.9% higher than Springfield (103.595 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $45,984 in Springfield β a 96.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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 $242,870 in Springfield β a 30.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Aurora, IL.