Moving from Plano, TX to Springfield, IL
A move from Plano, TX to Springfield, IL covers 708 mi and around 13h 20m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
708 mi Β· 13h 20m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Plano | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 10.0% below Plano β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 10.0% under Plano at $498,989 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Plano -5.3%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Plano | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 40.4" |
Springfield is 12.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.8Β°F vs 52.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Plano | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,339 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $108,649 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 39.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 10.0% below Plano ($108,649 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.9Β°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 much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Plano?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $498,989 in Plano β a 67.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Plano, TX?
The driving distance is 708 mi and the route typically takes 13h 20m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Plano?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,440 in the Plano MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Plano?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.0% lower than Plano (92.745 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Plano to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 708 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Plano vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $108,649 in Plano β a 39.7% lower 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 Plano.
City profiles: Plano, TX Β· Springfield, IL.