Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Springfield, IL
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Springfield, IL runs 525 mi β about 9h 33m 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.
525 mi Β· 9h 33m by car Β· MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 11.5% below Minneapolis β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $163,198 is 11.5% under Minneapolis at $330,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 40.4" |
Climate warms by 7.1Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 33 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.24 |
Income steps down 11.5%: $80,269 in Minneapolis 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 50.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 11.5% lower than Minneapolis (92.745 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 525 mi and the route typically takes 9h 33m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 525 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Springfield, IL.