Moving from Manchester, NH to Springfield, IL
The drive from Manchester, NH to Springfield, IL runs 1168 mi β about 22h 26m 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.
1168 mi Β· 22h 26m by car Β· NH β MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NH β MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Lowell, Cambridge, Boston, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.657 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 12.2% below Manchester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 12.2% below Manchester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 40.4" |
Climate warms by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 47.4Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.24 |
Income steps down 12.2%: $77,415 in Manchester vs $65,537 in Springfield.
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 Hampshire 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
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Manchester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 15.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 12.2% lower than Manchester (92.745 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1168 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 62.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 1168 mi and the route typically takes 22h 26m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Springfield, IL.