Moving from Meridian, ID to Springfield, IL
Cross-country relocations like Meridian, ID β Springfield, IL cover 1618 mi and about 27h 42m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1618 mi Β· 27h 42m by car Β· ID β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β UT β WY β NE β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Nampa, Boise City, Salt Lake City, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.391 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 5.7% below Meridian on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 5.7% below Meridian on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.7% between Meridian and Springfield (ACS 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 Idaho 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, IL from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 1618 mi and the route typically takes 27h 42m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 33.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1618 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.7% lower than Meridian (92.745 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 69.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Springfield, IL.