Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Springfield, IL
The drive from Sugar Land, TX to Springfield, IL runs 895 mi β about 16h 36m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
895 mi Β· 16h 36m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 67, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Little Rock, Houston, Pasadena, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 6.0% cheaper than Sugar Land overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 6.0% below Sugar Land β $447,176 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 40.4" |
Springfield runs 17.7Β°F colder on the annual average (70.6Β°F vs 52.9Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.0% between Sugar Land and Springfield (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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.7Β°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
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 63.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 895 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 Sugar Land vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 52.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 6.0% lower than Sugar Land (92.745 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 895 mi and the route typically takes 16h 36m via US 59 and US 67. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 3,179,460 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 Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Springfield, IL.