Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Springfield, IL
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Springfield, IL covers 284 mi and about 5h 16m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
284 mi Β· 5h 16m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Milwaukee are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.937 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 4.3% under Milwaukee at $220,137 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 4.3% above Milwaukee ($51,888 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 25.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 284 mi and the route typically takes 5h 16m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 26.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 284 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% lower than Milwaukee (92.745 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 814,950 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 Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Springfield, IL.