Moving from Savannah, GA to Springfield, IL
The drive from Savannah, GA to Springfield, IL runs 855 mi β about 16h 7m 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.
855 mi Β· 16h 7m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 75, I 16 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Savannah are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.206 vs 92.745); 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 $163,198 is 2.6% under Savannah at $326,509 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Savannah | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 14.6Β°F on the annual average β 67.5Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.24 |
Income steps up 2.6%: $56,782 in Savannah vs $65,537 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 | 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 Georgia 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.6Β°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 Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $326,509 in Savannah β a 50.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 855 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.6% lower than Savannah (92.745 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $56,782 in Savannah β a 15.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 855 mi and the route typically takes 16h 7m via I 24 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA Β· Springfield, IL.