Moving from Springfield, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
A move from Springfield, IL to Elizabeth, NJ covers 919 mi and around 17h 26m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
919 mi Β· 17h 26m by car Β· NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 276, PATP |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Elizabeth runs 21.4% higher than Springfield β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (92.745 β 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 21.4% above Springfield β $163,198 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 46.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (52.9Β°F) and Elizabeth (55.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.96 |
Median household incomes in Springfield ($65,537) and Elizabeth ($63,874) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 21.4% higher than Springfield (112.563 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 919 mi and the route typically takes 17h 26m via I 70 and I 276. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 2.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 227.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 919 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Elizabeth, NJ.