Moving from Elgin, IL to Springfield, MA
It is 962 mi between Elgin and Springfield β roughly 18h 17m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
962 mi Β· 18h 17m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
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 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.3% cheaper overall in Springfield than Elgin on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 7.3% under Elgin β $329,682 β $294,613 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 45.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.67 |
Springfield households earn about 7.3% less than Elgin at the median β $88,316 β $51,339 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.3% lower than Elgin (96.061 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 10.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MA from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 962 mi and the route typically takes 18h 17m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elgin to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 962 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 Elgin vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 41.9% 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Springfield, MA.