Moving from El Paso, TX to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1258 mi from El Paso to Springfield is a 23h 15m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1258 mi Β· 23h 15m by car Β· TX β NM β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 40, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.912 vs 92.745 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $234,775 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | El Paso | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 40.4" |
Expect 13.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.2% higher in Springfield than El Paso.
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 Texas 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.2% higher than El Paso (92.745 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $234,775 in El Paso β a 30.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $58,734 in El Paso β a 11.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1258 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 1258 mi and the route typically takes 23h 15m via I 44 and I 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX Β· Springfield, IL.