Moving from Elgin, IL to Springfield, MO
Relocating 506 mi from Elgin to Springfield is a 9h 47m drive through 2 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.
506 mi Β· 9h 47m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, IL 47 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville |
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 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 14.5% moving from Elgin to Springfield β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $329,682 in Elgin to $242,870 in Springfield, a 14.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 46.5" |
Expect 7.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.5% β $88,316 β $45,984 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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.5% lower than Elgin (88.585 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 $242,870 in Springfield vs $329,682 in Elgin β a 26.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MO from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 506 mi and the route typically takes 9h 47m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $88,316 in Elgin β a 47.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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 506 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL Β· Springfield, MO.