Moving from Odessa, TX to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1038 mi from Odessa to Springfield is a 18h 43m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1038 mi Β· 18h 43m 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 277, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Midland, Abilene, Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 40.4" |
Expect 11.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 31 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.2% lower in Springfield than Odessa.
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 (11.5Β°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
Is Springfield more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 1.2% lower than Odessa (92.745 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1038 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 Odessa vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 35.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 1038 mi and the route typically takes 18h 43m via I 44 and US 277. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX Β· Springfield, IL.