Moving from Richmond, VA to Springfield, IL
Relocating 825 mi from Richmond to Springfield is a 15h 45m 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.
825 mi Β· 15h 45m 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 | Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.2% cheaper overall in Springfield than Richmond on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 40.4" |
Expect 6.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 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
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 4.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 825 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 Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 55.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 5.2% lower than Richmond (92.745 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 825 mi and the route typically takes 15h 45m via I 64 and US 35. The trip crosses 5 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 Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Springfield, IL.