Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Springfield, IL
Relocating 565 mi from Pittsburgh to Springfield is a 10h 51m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
565 mi Β· 10h 51m by car Β· PA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $237,533 in Pittsburgh to $163,198 in Springfield, a 2.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.4Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.24 |
Household income lines up β $64,137 vs $65,537 on 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 Pennsylvania 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 31.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 565 mi and the route typically takes 10h 51m via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,071,900 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pittsburgh vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 2.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 565 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.0% lower than Pittsburgh (92.745 vs 94.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Springfield, IL.