Moving from McAllen, TX to Springfield, IL
A move from McAllen, TX to Springfield, IL covers 1225 mi and around 22h 44m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1225 mi Β· 22h 44m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 85.895 in McAllen to 92.745 in Springfield, a 8.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 8.0% below McAllen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 40.4" |
Major climate step-down: 22.6Β°F cooler annual average in Springfield vs McAllen.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 8.0% above McAllen ($60,165 β $65,537, 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (22.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1225 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 McAllen vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 8.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 1225 mi and the route typically takes 22h 44m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.0% higher than McAllen (92.745 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 28.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Springfield, IL.