Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Springfield, IL
A 1542 mi cross-country move between Scottsdale and Springfield is 27h 43m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1542 mi Β· 27h 43m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 92.745 vs Scottsdale at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $858,022 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 40.4" |
Expect 16.7Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.24 |
Springfield households earn about 10.2% less than Scottsdale at the median β $107,372 β $65,537 on 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (16.7Β°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
Is Springfield more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.2% lower than Scottsdale (92.745 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1542 mi and the route typically takes 27h 43m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 81.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1542 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 39.0% 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Springfield, IL.