Moving from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MA
A move from Rockford, IL to Springfield, MA covers 1001 mi and around 19h of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1001 mi Β· 19h by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Rockford is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 4.2% above Rockford β $177,225 vs $294,613 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rockford | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 45.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Rockford (49.4Β°F) and Springfield (49.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.67 |
Median household incomes in Rockford ($53,328) and Springfield ($51,339) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $177,225 in Rockford β a 66.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.2% higher than Rockford (96.061 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MA from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 1001 mi and the route typically takes 19h via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $53,328 in Rockford β a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1001 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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL Β· Springfield, MA.