Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1112 mi from Palm Bay to Springfield is a 20h 55m drive through 5 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.
1112 mi Β· 20h 55m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Orlando, Gainesville, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 92.745 vs Palm Bay at 100.005.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $302,461 to $163,198 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 40.4" |
Expect 19.7Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.24 |
Median household incomes in Palm Bay ($67,521) and Springfield ($65,537) are within a few percent (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 Florida 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 (19.7Β°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 does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 2.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.3% lower than Palm Bay (92.745 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 1112 mi and the route typically takes 20h 55m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1112 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 46.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 236,890 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Springfield, IL.