Moving from Durham, NC to Springfield, IL
A move from Durham, NC to Springfield, IL covers 797 mi and around 15h 25m of driving through 6 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.
797 mi Β· 15h 25m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 35, I 77, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Durham are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.572 vs 92.745); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 4.9% under Durham at $396,395 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 40.4" |
Springfield is 5.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (58.4Β°F vs 52.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 4.9% below Durham ($79,234 β $65,537, ACS 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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in 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
Is Springfield more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.9% lower than Durham (92.745 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $396,395 in Durham β a 58.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 797 mi and the route typically takes 15h 25m via US 35 and I 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 797 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 Durham vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $79,234 in Durham β a 17.3% 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Springfield, IL.