Moving from Springfield, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Relocating between Springfield, IL and Cincinnati, OH is a 319 mi drive β 5h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
319 mi Β· 5h 58m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 52, I 72 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.745 vs 95.37 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $163,198 to $249,568 moving to Cincinnati.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 43.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (52.9Β°F) and Cincinnati (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.17 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.8% β $65,537 β $51,707 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 319 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 Cincinnati compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 52.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 21.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 319 mi and the route typically takes 5h 58m via I 74 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 2.8% higher than Springfield (95.37 vs 92.745, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Cincinnati, OH.