Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Springfield, IL
The 414 mi from Ann Arbor to Springfield translate to about 7h 47m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
414 mi Β· 7h 47m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 55, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 8.1% cheaper than Ann Arbor 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 8.1% below Ann Arbor β $523,391 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.24 |
Income steps down 8.1%: $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $65,537 in Springfield.
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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 68.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 414 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 Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 414 mi and the route typically takes 7h 47m via I 94 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 19.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.1% lower than Ann Arbor (92.745 vs 100.88, 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Springfield, IL.