Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1137 mi from Albuquerque to Springfield is a 19h 59m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1137 mi Β· 19h 59m by car Β· NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Amarillo, Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Albuquerque | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.546 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 roughly 2.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $344,457 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Albuquerque | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Albuquerque (56.7Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Albuquerque | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 562,488 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $65,604 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 38.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.24 |
Median household incomes in Albuquerque ($65,604) 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 New Mexico 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Albuquerque?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β a 52.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1137 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 Albuquerque vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β a 0.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Albuquerque?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Albuquerque?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.9% lower than Albuquerque (92.745 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Albuquerque, NM?
The driving distance is 1137 mi and the route typically takes 19h 59m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Albuquerque.
City profiles: Albuquerque, NM Β· Springfield, IL.