Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Springfield, IL
It is a 389 mi drive, roughly 7h 29m, between Murfreesboro, TN and Springfield, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
389 mi Β· 7h 29m by car Β· TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 57, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Murfreesboro | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.338 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.95 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.626 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.338 vs 92.745 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $426,292 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Murfreesboro +0.1%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Murfreesboro | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.9" | 40.4" |
Annual temperature drops 6.0Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Murfreesboro | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,547 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $76,241 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 31.4 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.24 |
Households in Springfield earn about 3.7% less at the median β 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
How far is Springfield, IL from Murfreesboro, TN?
The driving distance is 389 mi and the route typically takes 7h 29m via I 24 and I 57. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Murfreesboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $426,292 in Murfreesboro β a 61.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Murfreesboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.7% lower than Murfreesboro (92.745 vs 96.338, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Murfreesboro vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro β a 14.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Murfreesboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,074,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Murfreesboro to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 389 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Murfreesboro.
City profiles: Murfreesboro, TN Β· Springfield, IL.