Moving from Columbus, OH to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Columbus, OH and Springfield, IL is a 383 mi drive β 7h 17m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
383 mi Β· 7h 17m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 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 Ohio 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 Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 383 mi and the route typically takes 7h 17m via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.9% lower than Columbus (92.745 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 383 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 Columbus vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 0.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 33.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Springfield, IL.