Moving from Wichita, KS to Springfield, IL
It is 508 mi between Wichita and Springfield β roughly 9h 21m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
508 mi Β· 9h 21m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.946 vs 92.745 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 around 4.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Wichita (57.7Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.24 |
Median household incomes in Wichita ($63,072) and Springfield ($65,537) are within a few percent (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 Kansas 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 508 mi and the route typically takes 9h 21m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% higher than Wichita (92.745 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 508 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 Springfield compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 19.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 3.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Springfield, IL.