Moving from Springfield, IL to Rockford, IL
Relocating between Springfield, IL and Rockford, IL is a 195 mi drive β 3h 40m 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.
195 mi Β· 3h 40m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 51, I 39, I 55 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.6% above Springfield β $163,198 β $177,225 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 37.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 37.1 in of snowfall annually at Rockford.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.4 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% lower in Rockford than Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rockford averages 37.1 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Rockford, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 195 mi and the route typically takes 3h 40m via US 51 and I 39. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 195 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Rockford more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 0.6% lower than Springfield (92.154 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 8.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Rockford, IL.