Moving from Lansing, MI to Springfield, IL
The 390 mi from Lansing to Springfield translate to about 7h 20m 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.
390 mi Β· 7h 20m by car Β· IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lansing | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.991 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.519 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.472 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Lansing are close on the overall BEA RPP (94.991 vs 92.745); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Lansing +4.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lansing | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 50.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 40.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.5Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANSING CAPITAL CITY AP, MI US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lansing | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,546 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $52,170 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 2.4% between Lansing and Springfield (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 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 does the job market in Springfield compare to Lansing?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,250 in the Lansing MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 211,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, IL from Lansing, MI?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 20m via I 55 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lansing?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $163,359 in Lansing β a 0.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lansing vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $52,170 in Lansing β a 25.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lansing?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.4% lower than Lansing (92.745 vs 94.991, 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 Lansing.
City profiles: Lansing, MI Β· Springfield, IL.