Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Springfield, IL
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Springfield, IL covers 919 mi and around 17h 26m 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.
919 mi Β· 17h 26m by car Β· NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 276, PATP |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 17.6% below Elizabeth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 17.6% below Elizabeth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.24 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 17.6% lower than Elizabeth (92.745 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 2.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, IL from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 919 mi and the route typically takes 17h 26m via I 70 and I 276. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 919 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 69.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Springfield, IL.