Moving from Detroit, MI to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Detroit, MI and Springfield, IL is a 450 mi drive β 8h 26m 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.
450 mi Β· 8h 26m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 55, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.5% cheaper overall in Springfield than Detroit on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.24 |
Expect median household income to rise 7.5% β $39,575 β $65,537 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 116.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.5% lower than Detroit (92.745 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 26m via I 94 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Detroit vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 65.6% higher 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 Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Springfield, IL.