Moving from Rochester, MN to Springfield, IL
The 419 mi from Rochester to Springfield translate to about 8h 13m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
419 mi Β· 8h 13m by car Β· MN β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, I 80, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Rochester is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 2.1% below Rochester β $339,455 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 40.4" |
Climate warms by 8.1Β°F on the annual average β 44.8Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.1% between Rochester and Springfield (ACS 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 51.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 419 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 419 mi and the route typically takes 8h 13m via US 63 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 25.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.1% higher than Rochester (92.745 vs 90.821, 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Springfield, IL.