Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Springfield, IL
A move from Jersey City, NJ to Springfield, IL covers 910 mi and around 17h 31m 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.
910 mi Β· 17h 31m 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 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 17.6% below Jersey City ($94,813 vs $65,537, ACS 5-year 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.
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
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City 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 does household income compare in Jersey City vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 30.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 75.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 910 mi and the route typically takes 17h 31m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 910 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 17.6% lower than Jersey City (92.745 vs 112.563, 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 Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ Β· Springfield, IL.