Moving from Baltimore, MD to Springfield, IL
The drive from Baltimore, MD to Springfield, IL runs 778 mi β about 15h 1m 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.
778 mi Β· 15h 1m by car Β· MD β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 11.2% below Baltimore β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.2% lower in Springfield than Baltimore as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 59.1Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.24 |
Income steps up 11.2%: $59,623 in Baltimore vs $65,537 in Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 13.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 778 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 9.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 778 mi and the route typically takes 15h 1m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 11.2% lower than Baltimore (92.745 vs 104.487, 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 Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Springfield, IL.