Moving from Denver, CO to Springfield, IL
A move from Denver, CO to Springfield, IL covers 904 mi and around 15h 59m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
904 mi Β· 15h 59m by car Β· CO β KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 36, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 12.3% cheaper than Denver overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 12.3% below Denver β $539,666 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denver | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Denver (51.4Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 12.3% below Denver ($91,681 vs $65,537, 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.
Moving between Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $539,666 in Denver β a 69.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 904 mi and the route typically takes 15h 59m via I 70 and US 36. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Denver to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 904 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 Denver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $58,490 in the Denver MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 12.3% lower than Denver (92.745 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Denver vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $91,681 in Denver β a 28.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO Β· Springfield, IL.