Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Springfield, IL
The drive from Fort Worth, TX to Springfield, IL runs 767 mi β about 14h 1m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
767 mi Β· 14h 1m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 77, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 10.0% below Fort Worth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 10.0% below Fort Worth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 14.6Β°F on the annual average β 67.5Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.24 |
Income steps down 10.0%: $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $65,537 in Springfield.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.6Β°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
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 767 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 Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 767 mi and the route typically takes 14h 1m via I 44 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 14.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 45.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.0% lower than Fort Worth (92.745 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Springfield, IL.