Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Springfield, IL
It is 1246 mi between Las Cruces and Springfield — roughly 22h 56m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1246 mi · 22h 56m by car · IL → MO → OK → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → OK → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 70, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Las Cruces and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $290,023 in Las Cruces to $163,198 in Springfield, a 2.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.24 |
Households in Springfield earn about 2.8% more at the median — 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 New Mexico 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 43.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1246 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 18.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 1246 mi and the route typically takes 22h 56m via I 44 and US 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.8% higher than Las Cruces (92.745 vs 90.212, 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Springfield, IL.