Moving from Elgin, IL to Springfield, IL
The 195 mi from Elgin to Springfield translate to about 4h behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
195 mi · 4h by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, IL 47, CR 34 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | 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 |
Springfield is 10.5% cheaper than Elgin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 10.5% below Elgin — $329,682 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Elgin (49.0°F) and Springfield (52.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.5% between Elgin and Springfield (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.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 does household income compare in Elgin vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 25.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 195 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 195 mi and the route typically takes 4h via I 55 and IL 47. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 50.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.5% lower than Elgin (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 Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Springfield, IL.