Moving from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MO
The drive from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MO runs 507 mi β about 9h 28m 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.
507 mi Β· 9h 28m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Rockford are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.154 vs 88.585); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 3.9% above Rockford at $177,225 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 46.5" |
Climate warms by 7.0Β°F on the annual average β 49.4Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.13 |
Income steps down 3.9%: $53,328 in Rockford vs $45,984 in Springfield.
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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 37.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.9% lower than Rockford (88.585 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 13.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 507 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, MO from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 507 mi and the route typically takes 9h 28m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 2 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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Springfield, MO.