Moving from Abilene, TX to Springfield, IL
A move from Abilene, TX to Springfield, IL covers 883 mi and around 15h 59m of driving through 4 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.
883 mi Β· 15h 59m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 277, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Abilene (90.364) and Springfield (92.745) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 2.6% below Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 40.4" |
Springfield is 13.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.9Β°F vs 52.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.24 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 (13.0Β°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 does household income compare in Abilene vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 4.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 22.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 883 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 883 mi and the route typically takes 15h 59m via I 44 and US 277. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.6% higher than Abilene (92.745 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Springfield, IL.