Moving from Mesa, AZ to Springfield, IL
It is 1543 mi and 27h 38m from Mesa to Springfield β a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1543 mi Β· 27h 38m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.2% cheaper overall in Springfield than Mesa on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperature gap of 19.4Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.2% lower in Springfield than Mesa.
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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.4Β°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
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 62.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1543 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 Mesa vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 16.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.2% lower than Mesa (92.745 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 1543 mi and the route typically takes 27h 38m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 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 Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Springfield, IL.