Moving from Montgomery, AL to Springfield, IL
The drive from Montgomery, AL to Springfield, IL runs 643 mi β about 12h 7m 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.
643 mi Β· 12h 7m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 82, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Montgomery (89.682) and Springfield (92.745) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Springfield at $163,198 is 3.4% above Montgomery at $151,228.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 40.4" |
Major climate step-down: 15.0Β°F cooler annual average in Springfield vs Montgomery.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.24 |
Income steps up 3.4%: $55,687 in Montgomery 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements 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 (15.0Β°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 Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 7.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 643 mi and the route typically takes 12h 7m via I 65 and US 82. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 17.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.4% higher than Montgomery (92.745 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 643 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Springfield, IL.