Moving from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL
It is a 196 mi drive, roughly 3h 46m, between Chicago, IL and Springfield, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
196 mi Β· 3h 46m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, IL 97, I 55 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 92.745 vs Chicago at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $317,283 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.24 |
Households in Springfield earn about 10.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 196 mi and the route typically takes 3h 46m via I 55 and IL 97. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 196 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.5% lower than Chicago (92.745 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 48.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Springfield, IL.