Moving from Mobile, AL to Springfield, IL
It is 761 mi between Mobile and Springfield β roughly 14h 25m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
761 mi Β· 14h 25m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 5.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 40.4" |
Expect 16.2Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.24 |
Springfield households earn about 5.3% more than Mobile at the median β $51,090 β $65,537 on 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 Alabama 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.2Β°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 household income compare in Mobile vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 28.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 761 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.3% higher than Mobile (92.745 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 16.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 761 mi and the route typically takes 14h 25m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Springfield, IL.