Moving from Green Bay, WI to Springfield, IL
The 393 mi from Green Bay to Springfield translate to about 7h 29m behind the wheel through 2 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.
393 mi Β· 7h 29m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 43, WI 57 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Chicago, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Green Bay are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.086 vs 92.745); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 0.4% under Green Bay at $278,024 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 40.4" |
Climate warms by 8.2Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.24 |
Household income lines up β $62,546 vs $65,537 on ACS 5-year 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 393 mi and the route typically takes 7h 29m via I 55 and I 43. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.4% lower than Green Bay (92.745 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 393 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 Green Bay vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 4.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 41.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Springfield, IL.