Moving from Norfolk, VA to Springfield, IL
The drive from Norfolk, VA to Springfield, IL runs 912 mi β about 17h 23m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
912 mi Β· 17h 23m by car Β· VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, US 35, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.941 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 5.3% below Norfolk on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 5.3% below Norfolk on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norfolk | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 8.5Β°F on the annual average β 61.4Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.24 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 912 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 Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $306,227 in Norfolk β a 46.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 912 mi and the route typically takes 17h 23m via I 64 and US 35. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.3% lower than Norfolk (92.745 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $64,017 in Norfolk β a 2.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA Β· Springfield, IL.