Moving from Springfield, IL to Detroit, MI
Relocating between Springfield, IL and Detroit, MI is a 450 mi drive β 8h 26m 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.
450 mi Β· 8h 26m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 55, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.1% above Springfield β 92.745 β 100.298 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 34.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.51 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.1% β $65,537 β $39,575 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 39.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 53.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Detroit, MI from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 26m via I 94 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Detroit more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 8.1% higher than Springfield (100.298 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Detroit, MI.