Moving from Knoxville, TN to Springfield, IL
A move from Knoxville, TN to Springfield, IL covers 536 mi and around 10h 7m of driving through 3 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.
536 mi Β· 10h 7m by car Β· TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 40, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Knoxville are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.569 vs 92.745); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 0.2% under Knoxville at $369,216 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 40.4" |
Springfield is 5.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (57.9Β°F vs 52.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 0.2% above Knoxville ($50,994 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 Tennessee 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.2% higher than Knoxville (92.745 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 28.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 536 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 Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 55.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 536 mi and the route typically takes 10h 7m via I 24 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Springfield, IL.