Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Chattanooga, TN and Springfield, IL is a 496 mi drive β 9h 31m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
496 mi Β· 9h 31m by car Β· TN β GA β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 57, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Chattanooga and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $319,579 in Chattanooga to $163,198 in Springfield, a 1.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 40.4" |
Expect 9.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.4% higher in Springfield than Chattanooga.
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 Tennessee 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 496 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 Chattanooga vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 7.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 496 mi and the route typically takes 9h 31m via I 24 and I 57. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 1.4% higher than Chattanooga (92.745 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 48.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Springfield, IL.