Moving from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MA
The drive from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MA runs 903 mi β about 17h 20m 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.
903 mi Β· 17h 20m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 7.3% below Chicago β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 7.3% lower in Springfield than Chicago as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 45.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 49.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.67 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.3% between Chicago and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.3% lower than Chicago (96.061 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 7.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 31.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 903 mi and the route typically takes 17h 20m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 903 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Springfield, MA.